Drama as Obasanjo declines to lay wreath

A mild drama played out during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Abeokuta on Tuesday as a former President Olusegun Obasanjo declined Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s request to lay a wreath at the Arcade in Abeokuta.

Obasanjo vehemently resisted the governor’s persuasion to be part of the dignitaries to perform the ceremony.

This put a temporary stop to the programme as other dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor Segun Adesegun and the Iyalode of Egbaland, Chief Alaba Lawson, unsuccessfully begged him to do so.

Our correspondent learnt that the former Head of State refused the request to lay a wreath because he was not initially listed as one of those to perform the function on the occasion.

Meanwhile, Ondo State Government said on Tuesday that 241 widows of Nigerian soldiers, who died during war situations, had benefitted from its N20m interest free revolving loan instituted for them since last year.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko stated this at the military parade and laying of wreaths during the 2013 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held at the Government Cenotaph, Alagbaka, Akure.

Mimiko, who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, said the state government initiated the scheme in order to cushion the effects of the hardship occasioned by the sudden loss of their husbands.

He said, “As part of the state government’s caring heart programmes, we gave out cheques of various sums to the widows last year.”

PUNCH