Posted by By PHILIP NWOSU on
Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos on Monday took a swipe at the leadership style of President Olusegun Obasanjo, contending that the former president ruled Nigeria with iron fist for eight years.
Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos on Monday took a swipe at the leadership style of President Olusegun Obasanjo, contending that the former president ruled Nigeria with iron fist for eight years.
Oba Akiolu stressed that Obasanjo infused military tradition into democratic rule, arguing that it was not the best for Nigeria.
The Lagos monarch, who spoke during a visit by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Luka Yusuf to his palace, noted that, "it is only now that we have a civilian president that we have started noticing purely civil attitude in governance.
"The former president was 100 per cent in military practice in his governance and I am not afraid to say it anywhere because I have come in contact face to face with him and I know his reaction to many issues.
"He (Obasanjo) still believed he was in the Army and that was the way he was ruling this country and Nigerians will not take that now.
"Now, we are beginning to see what is coming out from governance, otherwise how can a president who is supposed to be a democrat say that ‘your governor is too stubborn. Any little thing, he goes to court. He can win in the court. What if I make the condition to make the enforcement of the court decision impossible?' These were words he said and we have said we will not accept that in Lagos."
Oba Akiolu commended the Nigerian Army, particularly, the officers and men of the 81 Division in Lagos for the peaceful conduct of the last election.
He also urged the Chief of Army Staff to assist the police in fishing out soldiers who engage in armed robbery and those who take part in land matters.
"Your men performed well during the last election. They never took side, otherwise those who feel they can come here and write the results of the election failed woefully," the monarch said.
Earlier, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Yusuf, talked of plan by the Army to protect democracy, insisting, "it is only in democracy that we have virile and standing army."
He warned soldiers against molesting civilians and engaging in illegal duties, warning that those caught would be dealt with.
The Army chief, who was on tour of Army formations in Lagos was received at the palace by four traditional rulers in Lagos, including Oba Akiolu, Onikoyi of Ikoyi, Olu of Ikeja and Oba Onisiwo of Tomoro.