Breaking News: Obasanjo Gets New Appointment.

The InterAction Council of Former Heads of State and Government has appointed former President
Olusegun Obasanjo co-chair of the Council at the 32nd Annual Plenary Meeting in Newport, United Kingdom Friday.

Mr. Obasanjo was a founding member of the InterAction Council, taking a leave for the years when he resumed office as President in 1999. He is the first African member to assume the chairmanship.

“I am humbled to have been elected as Co-Chair of the InterAction Council, a position that has been held by some of my great friends who were also my mentors over the years – Helmut Schmidt of Germany and the late Malcolm Fraser of Australia – and also to serve alongside my longtime friend Jean Chrétien, the former Prime Minister of Canada,” said President Obasanjo.

“We will continue the Council’s important work, but also look at some issues that are of particular concern to me, like youth engagement and employment. Africa has many problems but also great opportunities, and the IAC will look at both,” he said.

Mr. Obasanjo has governed Nigeria as both the head of a military administration (1975-1979) and then again as a democratically elected civilian president (1999-2007).

He was thrust into power in Nigeria following the assassination of military ruler General Murtala Muhammed in 1976.

As deputy, he took over as head of state but committed to the restoration of civilian government in Nigeria.