by Isi Esene

Olusegun Obasanjo is counting his blessings and announcing it to anyone who cares to listen. The former president who met with the executive members of the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday in Abeokuta, said he could have died in the recent inferno that engulfed his Hilltop mansion.

According to him, if the fire incident which burnt the office of his secretary had occurred during the night it would have been fatal.

He said, “The fire, which occurred in the office of my private secretary, resulted in thick smoke which pervaded my bedroom. If it had happened at night, I would have been a dead person.”

He thanked God for sparing his life and allowing him to witness the new year.

“I want to thank you all who called me on the telephone, both within and outside the country. Let us appreciate the mercy and kindness of God. There were many of us who started last year, but are no more today. We are not mocking them but extolling God.

“In fact, that I am able to stand erect is God’s blessings. Many in my age group cannot stand well anymore. I am not mocking them, but I am thanking God. My hope and prayer are that this year will be a glorious year.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the Lagos State PDP, Tunji Shelle, reportedly told Obasanjo that the visit was to sympathize with him over the incident, and to celebrate the New Year with him.

He said  it was also to receive his blessings ahead of  the 2015 general elections.

“Our Baba, our leader and our former President, we are here for three reasons: to symphatise with you over the incident; to celebrate new year with you and to get your blessings for the 2015 elections.

“Thank God, the fire was curtailed. Whether small or big, we don’t pray for such incident to happen again. In everything, we have to give thanks to God,” he said.