The Coalition of United Political Parties on Thursday commended former President, Olusegun Obasanjo for successfully negotiating a cessation of hostilities between the Ethiopian government and the Tigrayans, describing him as “a reformer, visionary and defender of democracy in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.”
The coalition said Obasanjo, had over the years, undertaken several successful peace missions as a respected UN and African Union envoy.
The CUPP made the commendation in a statement by its spokesperson, Ikenga Ugochinyere.
The coalition recalled how Obasanjo peacefully handed over power in 2007 after serving two terms as Nigeria’s President.
While also recalling how Obasanjo ended his tenure with a tour of Sierra Leone and Liberia, where he played a leading role in bringing peace, the coalition also noted his administration’s peace efforts in Sao Tome and Principe and the Republic of Togo.
The CUPP added that the successes were aided by his strong personality and commitment to multilateralism.
The statement reads, “The former Nigerian President who is currently the African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa, achieved this feat following concerted negotiations he led, which saw the warring groups agree to peaceful resolution of whatever their issues might be.
“It is no surprise as Chief Obasanjo has always been a peace maker. At different fora he had enjoined Nigerians to embrace peace and unity as a way to resolve the nation’s myriad of challenges. President Obasanjo’s interventions in these countries were influenced by realist considerations and these interventions yielded the much anticipated dividends.
“In 2018, President Olusegun Obasanjo through his mediation skills ensured smooth political transition in Liberia. His intervention made it Liberia’s first peaceful transfer of power from one democratically-elected leader to another in 70 years.
“We at the opposition coalition congratulate him, may God continue to keep him alive and in good health for more good interventions for Africa and the world.” (Punch)