Nigeria former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday said he did not oblige his family’s move to secure his freedom from prison when he was jailed for an alleged coup plot because he didn’t want to be free while late General Shehu Musa Ya’adua was still in jail.

He spoke at the 20th memorial lecture organized the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Foundation in memory of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’adua.

Obasanjo said: “The life of the late Tafida Katsina, Shehu Musa Yar’adua typifies the answer to the question of and eloquent and reliable person who died 20 years ago and we are witnessing this gathering in his honour. In the last 20 years, I kept saying that I always remembered him as the best deputy I ever had when I was a military Head of State. Some of his friends and associates have remained loyal to his ideals since his departure. We had many good and sad periods together.”

The President of Sierra Leone, Mr. Ernest Koroma, said Yar’adua fought for the unity of the country and put the interest of Nigeria before his.

“His forgiveness and faithfulness endeared him to many as he was always smiling. I call on the younger generation to always emulate his good deeds which makes him fresh in the minds of many people,” Koroma said.

The Emir of Katsina who was represented the Kaigaman Katsina, Alhaji Kabir Mashi, said the late General Yar’adua was a man of exemplary character who always tried to take the country to greater heights and he didn’t have a dull moment. He prayed for his soul to rest in perfect peace.

A former military governor of Oyo State and later Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna, retired Major General Paul Tarfa said, “Yar’adua was a very smooth gentleman, he knew how to choose, develop and achieve goals with his team. Above all, he made friends in all parts of the country and beyond and that is where he surpassed me.”

Many friends at the event eulogised him for being a bridge-builder.  The event was graced many dignitaries including Alhaji Umaru Mutallab, retired General Aliyu Gusau, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Chief Tor Sankare I from Benue State, Risqua Murtala Ramat Muhammad, Hajiya Titi Atiku Abubakar and many members of the Yar’adua family.

Source: Daily Trust