‘Let people say whatever they like when I die’ – Olusegun Obasanjo
Former president of Nigerian,Olusegun Obasanjo has said that its is OK for people to say whatever they like about him when he transits
This is coming after his condolence message to late Kashamu received criticism from notable Nigerians.
In his condolence message, the former President said the late Kashamu who was wanted in the United States of America for alleged drug offences, was able to escape justice but could not evade death.
In an interview with Premium Times, the former President said it is okay for people to mourn every death but insisted that the living including himself, must draw the right lessons from the lives of those who have died.
He added that, he says his mind as truthfully as he knows them and in line with his convictions.
He said;
“When I was growing up, in our community, when anyone known with bad character died, we usually only mourn him and bury him. No eulogy. No praise-singing.
“There is an English saying that urges us never to talk ill of the dead. But in this case, we are not talking ill of the dead.
We are only drawing lessons from the life and history of the dead. I am not gloating over his death.
It is sad for anyone to die and we must mourn him.
“But we must learn from such a passage. There will be bad lessons.
There will be good lessons. But we should not just be praise-singing or eulogising the dead, especially when there is no need to do so.
“We should not cover up bad histories and conducts so that the right lessons can be learnt
“As you know, I say my mind as truthfully as I know them and in line with my convictions.
People are free to say whatever they want about my comment.
I don’t begrudge people for holding opinions on whatever I say or do.
“Let people say whatever they like when I transit. Now that I am alive, am I not being abused?
Whenever I transit, let people say whatever they know or think about me.
Let them say it as it is. What my maker thinks of me is what matters most.