Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says he does not belong to any political party, describing himself as a no-party statesman.
This is as the ex-Nigeria leader lamented that Nigerians were facing several challenges at the moment, but preached hope and optimism.
Obasanjo made this statement on Saturday during a thanksgiving service at the Methodist Church, Nigeria, Cathedral of Unity, Abuja.
The service was for the 80th birthday of journalist and former Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Onyema Ugochukwu.
The erstwhile President lauded the celebrant for being a loyal and supportive person during his 1999 election campaigns despite the fact that Chief Alex Ekwueme also contested for the same position in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
He urged Ugochukwu to remain with the Lord and be committed to humanity throughout the rest of his life
“But remember what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13. Your faith must not diminish. You must never lose hope. Even when things are as gloomy as they are in Nigeria today, we must remain optimistic and hopeful.
“And finally, you must live and continue to live a life of love. Love for your family.
“Love for friends and foes. Love for your community. Love for your state. Love for your country. Love for humanity. And love for God.
“When we came together, it was during the campaign. I’ve known a little bit about you by your reputation. We were two candidates competing in PDP – myself and Alex Ekweme,” he said.