Many years ago, Nicodemus, an important figure, a Pharisee, a member of the Jewish ruling council, decided to visit Christ at night to avoid prying eyes of the public. He indeed, met with his host and had his nagging question answered.
Last Monday, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, made a visit to Oluremi Obasanjo, first lady of Nigeria. It was not in the dead of the night though. But the visit could be considered Nicodemus-like as observers said it was intended to open up a channel of communication with the President himself.
Although she is the wife of the President, Oluremi is a known pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), it is curious why Obasanjo should visit her during Salah.
Mind you, the visit has since set off varied reactions from many Nigerians. The consensus opinion is that the former president must be looking for something beyond Oluremi.
Recall that a video of Obasanjo wearing a cap branded with Tinubu’s insignia at an event attended by some African dignitaries had trended on the social media recently. So, what is cooking?
Obasanjo and Tinubu are not known to be best of friends, politically. They have never belonged to same political party.
I hope you still remember the standoff between the duo when Obasanjo refused to release the funds meant for Lagos State’s local governments.
Obasanjo had insisted that the seized funds would not be paid by the Federal Government until elections were held in 20 constitutionally recognised local government councils in Lagos State.
The then Federal Government had frowned at the creation of 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) by the Tinubu administration in Lagos.
The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, in an interview some years ago, said that the seizure of the Local Government funds by the Obasanjo administration contributed to the slow pace of development in Lagos State.
Again, Obasanjo did not hide his support for Peter Obi in the last Presidential election. He believed that an Obi-presidency would benefit the country more. It is not on record that he has changed his stance.
Although his moves this time around have continued to raise a lot of questions, critical observers say that politicians are never perpetual enemies irrespective of their political differences and what they try to make the public believe. What is always at stake is interest.
They still flock together and laugh over their decisions in the corridors of power. Today, even politicians seen on camera engaging in hot argument and coming near to fisticuffs do embrace one another after such heated sessions.
Perhaps, Obasanjo’s latest moves and gravitation toward Tinubu may be a manifestation of the spirit of big brotherliness. Tomorrow will tell.
