Jonathan is my president but I won't keep quiet - Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday in Abeokuta said he had no problem with President Goodluck Jonathan as being speculated in some quarters.

Obasanjo however said he would not allow himself to be prevented by anyone from discussing pressing national issues and party affairs.

The former president said this when the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, paid him a visit at his Hilltop Country Home in Abeokuta.

Obasanjo told Tukur that his passion, patriotism and love for the country would not allow him to remain silent on burning national issues.

He said 'If there is anything that requires my comment, position or views, I will say it. It is only if you kill me. It is my passion, patriotism and love that will continue to make me state my views. If I see something inimical to the party's growth, I will talk.

'And also to disabuse the minds of rumour mongers, the President is my President. Without Nigeria, there will be no party. Even when I was in prison, I was not quiet. Those who want me and the chairman to quarrel; this visit will keep them quiet. But my mouth will not be quiet.'

Obasanjo also dispelled recent rumours about his death.

'I am still alive anyway,' he said.
Earlier, the PDP national chairman said he was in Abeokuta to see  Obasanjo  for his consistent role in the party, country and the international community.

On the perennial crisis rocking the Ogun State chapter of the PDP, Tukur declared, 'Whoever that the people have elected as far as I'm concerned, is the chairman of our party in Ogun.'

'Let me assert that there is no crisis here in Ogun PDP at all. I have come here because of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who is the leader of our party and I'm now the chairman

'Our principle today is rebuilding our party based on equity and justice. Because it is only when you give people the leadership they did not merit that you have a crisis.' (Punch)