17/02/2024
FORMER NIGERIAN President Olusegun Obasanjo has endorsed Veteran Kenyan opposition leader & former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for the position of Chairperson of the Africa Union Commission (AUC).
"I have no doubt that my friend who is standing next to me (Odinga) is the right person to take over the mantle. If the EAC region backs him, I believe the rest of the continent will support him,” he said.
“We need a person with experience and who understands the situation Africa is in, and who comes from a background that can make a difference to take charge of AU. AU needs the right leadership at the right time," He added.
◉ Obasanjo reiterated that it is the right time for East Africa region to take the leadership of the African Union.
"People who have held position of head of government either as President or Prime Minister are most suitable for this job. Looking at it critically, it is the turn of East Africa," he said.
◉ Announcing his candidature, 79-Yr-Old Raila Odinga said he had been consulting widely among friends on whether to take the job or not. He explained why he was the best candidate for the seat.
"I am ready to go for the championship of the African Union. I have been consulting widely. I think I am ready to serve the continent of Africa. Africa deserves better. If we marshal our resources as a continent, pull in one direction, then we can be able to make Africa greater. I offer myself to be of service to this African continent when called upon." Raila said.
“I have served in the AU in the capacity of high representative, it gave me a good advantage to be able to learn about every African country and the comparative advantages and I believe that by walking together with the countries we can make Africa great,” he explained further.
◉ The position will fall vacant in March 2025(next year), when the current chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, is expected to leave office.
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