Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that both past and present Nigerian leaders still have unfinished responsibilities to ensure the country achieves its full potential. He made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja at the launch of Being True to Myself, the autobiography of former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido.
Obasanjo, who wrote the foreword to the book, praised Lamido’s political journey and commitment to Nigeria. He reminded fellow statesmen that despite decades of service, the country is yet to reach the envisioned level of development.
“The Nigeria you and I worked for, we haven’t gotten there yet,” Obasanjo said. “Our job is not finished until it is finished.”
He humorously recalled being persuaded by Lamido to attend the book launch, despite initially assuming his role ended with the foreword. Obasanjo revealed he had to cut short an international engagement in the Democratic Republic of Congo to attend the event.
Reflecting on their shared political history, Obasanjo recalled appointing Lamido as Foreign Affairs Minister in 1999 after another candidate declined. He shared an amusing anecdote about British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook questioning how well he knew Lamido before appointing him. Lamido’s witty reply, according to Obasanjo, left Cook puzzled about whether Obasanjo was “a crazy fool or a very clever guy.”
Obasanjo also recounted how Lamido stood firm against a practice he had introduced—asking ministers to sign undated resignation letters. Lamido refused, stating that he would resign respectfully if ever found unworthy. “I never had cause to ask him to resign. He performed admirably,” Obasanjo said.
He credited Lamido with restoring Nigeria’s international image in the post-military era. As Foreign Minister, Lamido played a key role in diplomatic reengagements that led to Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Nigeria for CHOGM within three years.
Obasanjo also praised Lamido’s legacy as governor, noting his development efforts and consistent engagement in national issues.
The former president ended his remarks by stressing that the work of building Nigeria is ongoing and requires sustained effort from all leaders past and present.
