Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday made a surprise appearance at the Presidential Villa in Abuja—his first visit since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May.
Obasanjo, known for his public criticism of the current administration, has notably stayed away from Aso Rock, including high-level functions such as Council of State meetings, despite being invited.
His visit comes against the backdrop of recent diplomatic tensions involving the Tinubu administration and former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had threatened to deploy American troops to Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.
Although Obasanjo had not directly commented on Trump’s warning, he had earlier criticised the current leadership by contrasting it with past eras when Nigeria enjoyed greater international influence.
“Under my watch, America did not take any major action in Africa without informing Nigeria,” Obasanjo recalled during a public event.
“They were not seeking permission, but they would inform us,” he added, referencing the respectful diplomatic posture the U.S. once maintained toward Nigeria, particularly under President Jimmy Carter.
However, on Friday, Obasanjo was among dignitaries who attended the 2025 Service of Nine Lessons and Carols hosted by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, at the State House.
According to a statement from the Office of the First Lady, Obasanjo read the Second Lesson from Genesis 22:15-18, which highlights God’s covenant of blessing through obedience.
Also present at the event was former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who read the First Lesson from Genesis 3:8–12, recalling mankind’s earliest encounter with divine accountability.
The First Lady herself took the Ninth Lesson from John 1:1–14, declaring the incarnation of the Word made flesh and dwelling among humanity.
The event featured hymns and scripture readings central to the Christian celebration of Christmas. The congregation rose to sing the popular hymn O Come, All Ye Faithful, as part of the service’s climax.
The annual Christmas Carol, which draws government functionaries and Christian leaders, is a long-standing tradition aimed at fostering unity and spiritual reflection during the Yuletide season.
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