Speaking in Abuja at the 80th birthday ceremony of Ugochukwu, the first Executive Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Obasanjo who described himself as “a no-party statesman,” noted that throughout the period he worked with Ugochukwu, he could count on him to keep to his word on anything.
Obasanjo recalled that during the 1999 election when he (Obasanjo) competed against Alex Ekwueme, many people from the eastern region saw Ugochukwu as a traitor, while the Yoruba elements saw him as a spy.
“There are four things I would just want to say. When we came together, it was during the campaign. I know a little bit about you by reputation.
“You remained totally loyal. And I appreciate it. And you remained with me, not 99.9 per cent loyal, but 100 per cent loyal throughout my tenure. I will be eternally grateful to you,” the former president said at the Thanksgiving service.
“Over the years, whether I am in or out, whether people are abusing me or oppressing me, I know your stand. I know I can count on you. Not only as my supporter but for the party that we all built together.
“We only met during our administration around 1998-99 and till now, we have been in contact with each other. But I want to say that during our administration even when the president and I were having problems, Ugochukwu never took sides, rather he tried to be a conciliator and I want to say that all along I found him to be an extremely dedicated, passionate Nigerian.
Earlier, during the celebration which also saw the launching of two books: “Testaments and Testimonials” and “Galvanising Development in the Niger Delta”, edited by Tunde Olusunle, the celebrant thanked his friends, family, and associates for honouring him with their presence.
“Ten years ago, when I turned 70, I was the first of my siblings to reach the age of 70. It should have been a very big celebration, but it wasn’t because 2014 was a horrible year. I lost my two younger brothers in that year itself. My father, and then my uncle, and there was no need to celebrate,” he said.