| Obasanjo sees no political motive behind his visit |
| Observer Reporter Thursday, August 08, 2002 |
NIGERIA'S president, Olusegun Obasanjo, said yesterday he saw no political significance to his invitation to Jamaica's Independence celebrations, not long before general elections are to be held here.
There have been suggestions that Prime Minister P J Patterson and his People's National Party (PNP) stood to gain politically from the visit, playing up Patterson's leadership and helping to create a feel-good factor for Jamaica as an international player.
But Obasanjo made light of the suggestion just before he left Jamaica yesterday at the end of his three-day visit.
"My brother is celebrating and I was invited," he quipped.
Then, he said jokingly: "If I am being used and it is for the good, so be it."
Looking towards Patterson, he added: "My brother -- if I need him to be used, I will use him.'