I Could Have Died In Fire; I Thank God --Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday said providence saved him from the fire which recently burnt a part of his Hilltop Mansion because, if the fire had occurred during the night, he would have been suffocated by fumes from the inferno.

"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.

"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."

Chief Obasanjo spoke when the executive members of the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party visited him in Abeokuta.

The Chairman of the Lagos State PDP, Tunji Shelle, told Obasanjo that the visit was to sympathise 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.