TheCable

Former Nigeria president, Olusegun Obasanjo, has appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience with Muhammadu Buhari, the president-elect, whom he believes needs time to correct the administrative defects of outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking at his hilltop mansion in Abeokuta, Ogun state, when a delegation of south-west women leaders visited him on Sunday, Obasanjo said a lot of damage had been done to the country.

“The country has been poorly managed in the last eight years and it would take time for Buhari’s government to correct the anomalies,” he said.

“Nigerians need to exercise patience because what has been destroyed in eight years cannot be rebuilt overnight.”

Obasanjo expressed confidence in Buhari, saying he possesses the required qualities to take the country to greater heights.

“The man that is coming on board has a lot of experience in terms of governance,” he said.

“He is not a green horn. We both worked together during the military era and we did well. We should all put our minds at rest because he is someone that will perform.

“Let’s give him time; let’s pray for him and let’s cooperate with him. The expectation is very high but at the same time, there is a lot of goodwill internally and externally for the incoming government.

“For me, I think we will get there.”

Obasanjo opposed the re-election bid of Jonathan and was very critical of the president in the buildup to the general election.