Commodore O.T.I. Alibo, (rtd) has advised Nigerian leaders to learn from the difficulties being experienced by the family of late Head of State, General Sanni Abacha, and be upright.

The immediate past Director of Logistics, Defence Head-quarters, Commodore O.T.I. Alibo, (rtd) has advised Nigerian leaders to learn from the difficulties being experienced by the family of late Head of State, General Sanni Abacha, and be upright.

He said this in an interview with THISDAY, during a luncheon held for him by Mr. Alfred Okoigun, Managing Director/ Chief Executive of Arco Petrochemical Company Ltd. to commemorate his voluntary disengagement from military service.

Alibo who was once the Commanding Officer, NNS Aradu, said:” Those in authority should love the nation as they love themselves. Nigerian leaders who are fond of embezzling money with the hope of passing it on to their kith and kins should know that the money may not get to them. Otherwise Abacha’s family won’t be where they are today. They should learn from what is happening from the Abacha family.”

Regretting that Nigerians are so materialistic and ungodly today, a situation which he said manifests in all manner of evil practices such as corruption, robbery and obtaining things by false pretence, a.k.a 419, he urged them to turn to God.

“If Americans are going back to God following the September 11 attack on the United States, Nigerians have more need to turn to God,” he said. “This is the solution to corruption. Most worldly blessings come with sorrow, but God’s blessings have no admixture of sorrow. Those who cut corners don’t get satisfaction,” he admonished.

Alibo, who a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Victor Ombo, a special guest of honour, described as a courageous, fearless officer, counselled Nigerians to be proud of whatever job they find themselves doing: “Any job you handle, put your heart into it. Nobody in society is more important than others – driver, cobbler, president, chief – all make the wheel to turn perfectly like clockwork. It’s how you handle your work that makes the difference. You can’t be lazy and expect manna to fall from heaven.”

Former Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria Plc, and Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Abel Ubeku, stated that the life of Commodore Alibo (rtd) has proved that people would always attain what God had programmed for them.

In his welcome address, the host, Okoigun, explained that he chose to organise the luncheon because of the need to celebrate those who are unsung heroes, among Alibo, a man he described as principled. He prayed that God should help him to achieve greater things in the days of retirement ahead.

Patrick Ugeh, This Day (Lagos), July 31, 2002