2015: Obama’s video broadcast violated Nigeria’s sovereignty –Ozekhome

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria , Chief Mike Ozekhome , says the alleged video broadcast by ex – American President , Barack Obama , on the 2015 presidential election violated Nigeria ’ s sovereignty.According to Ozekhome , Obama ’ s alleged interference in the 2015 presidential poll , coupled with his support for gay marriage , has made the former US President lose his popularity among Nigerians .

Ozekhome spoke with our correspondent against the backdrop of complaint by former President Goodluck Jonathan that Obama ’ s video broadcast to Nigerians days before the presidential election was instrumental in his defeat .

Jonathan made the claim in his book , ‘ My Transition Hours , ’ which was unveiled last week .

He also complained about the visit of the then United States Secretary of State , John Kerry , to him when the 2015 general elections were shifted from February 14 to March 28 over insecurity concerns .

Asked whether Obama ’ s video broadcast and Kerry ’ s visit during the period amounted to interference in the elctions by the US , Ozekhome said , “ Sure . They were not just body language ; they were clear indications as to their preference .

“ It was a violation of Nigeria ’ s sovereignty. It amounted to undue interference in our internal affairs. We all watched Kerry ’ s activities when he came to Nigeria ; his nocturnal and open meetings with the opposition party and spite for then ruling party.

“ It ’ s one of the main reasons Obama lost huge goodwill and love from the Nigerian people , when added to his open , unnatural and support for gay marriage . ”

But responding to the same question , another SAN , Prof Kayinsola Ajayi , said , “ It is true , yes . But do we not owe ourselves the truth as children of one God who want good governance ?”

However , a Lagos – based lawyer , Mr Wahab Shittu, said Obama and Kerry did no wrong.

Shittu said , “ The US is among the guardians of democracy and democratic traditions all over the world .

“ To that extent , the US is only interested in the preservation of democratic traditions everywhere in the world .

“ So , what Obama did was in furtherance of the fundamentals of democratic traditions and it does not constitute an interference in the domestic affairs of Nigeria . ”

On his part, activist lawyer , Mr Ebun – Olu Adegboruwa , described the events leading to Jonathan ’ s loss as history , saying what Nigerians should be concerned about now is for America and other Western powers to play a similar role to ensure free , fair and credible elections in 2019 .

Another lawyer , Mr Inibehe Effiong , asked Jonathan to take responsibility for his defeat , which , he said , was caused by Nigerians ’ perception of his government as corrupt and clueless .

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