“Just as the African Union condemns coups and illegitimate transfer of power, the AU authorities and strong voices can help the people of Africa so that their leaders abide by term limits and the Constitution. Nobody should be president for life and your country is better-up if you have new blood and ideas. I’m still a pretty young man but I know that somebody with new energy and insight will be good for my country and it will be good for yours too,” he stated.
The former U.S. President who served for only two terms and was succeeded by President Donald Trump, stated that he didn’t understand why people want to stay so long, especially when they get lots of money, adding that when a leader tries to change the rules in the middle of the game just to stay unopposed, it risks instability and strike.
He continued that sometimes people hear a leader say he’s the only president who can hold the country. He emphasized that if that’s true, then that leader is failing to truly build the nation.
Giving examples of Nelson Mandela and George Washington, Obama explained that the two fought for a lasting legacy, in not only what they did in office but because they were “willing to leave office and transfer power peacefully.”
“It is been an extraordinary privilege for me to serve as the president of the United States of America. I cannot imagine a greater honour or a more interesting job. I love my work but under our Constitution, I cannot run again. I think I’m a pretty good president. I think if I run I will win but I can’t.”
“There are lots I can do to keep America moving but the law is the law and no one is above the law; not even the president. I will be honest with you; I’m looking for life after being president.
