Yar’Adua gives Obasanjo pass mark

By Akin Durodola and Idowu Samuel - 30.05.2008

PRESIDENT Umaru Yar’Adua on Thursday gave his predecessor, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a pass mark, saying that he did his best for the country for the period he was the president.

He said in a media chat that prior to 1999 when Chief Obasanjo took over the reins of the government, the country was in a terrible state with virtually all sectors grounded.

Chief Obasanjo, the president said, put life to Nigeria’s economy when he assumed the leadership of this country. “My predecessor in office, Chief Olusegun Oba-sanjo, did his best. There could be lapses, but the fact remains that he did his best.

“It’s from 1999 till now that serious efforts were made to restore proper system of governance and accountability,” President Yar’Adua stressed.

On the probe of certain sectors of economy, especially the power sector by the National Assembly, the president said it was normal thing in a democratic setting, stating that just like every other Nigerian was waiting for the outcome of the probe, he was also waiting for the outcome.

He disclosed that contrary to the views of some people, the present government had approved the fight against corruption with all it deserved, with free hand being given to all the anti-graft agencies to operate.