Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that any government that fails to secure lives and property has no right to exist, citing worsening insecurity and weak leadership in Nigeria.
Obasanjo Blames Leadership Failures
However, Obasanjo said poor leadership has driven Nigeria’s current crisis. He added that the country has lost influence in global affairs and mishandled key regional ties within Economic Community of West African States.
Meanwhile, he spoke during an interview on News Central’s Soni Irabor Live. He said Nigeria no longer sits “at the table” in global decision-making. He linked this decline to a wider leadership deficit.
Furthermore, Obasanjo urged Nigerians to reject kidnapping and crime as normal. He recalled a time when citizens moved freely across the country without fear.
Security Failure Means Loss of Legitimacy
Consequently, he criticised the federal government over rising insecurity. He said any government that cannot protect lives and property has lost its right to exist.
Meanwhile, he traced insecurity to the post-civil war era. He said authorities failed to control the spread of arms after the conflict.
Furthermore, he linked the crisis to internal and external factors. He cited the return of armed fighters after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi and the use of armed groups for politics.
Out-of-School Children Pose Risk
However, Obasanjo warned that about 20 million out-of-school children pose a long-term threat. He described them as a pool for recruitment by extremist groups.
Meanwhile, he questioned whether the government would act on security reports. He expressed doubt about its willingness to implement solutions.
Furthermore, he rejected the idea that kidnapping should become normal. He said Nigerians must not accept ransom culture as part of daily life.
Criticism of Tinubu’s Regional Policy
In response, Obasanjo faulted Bola Tinubu over relations with Niger Republic after the coup. He said the response damaged decades of cooperation.
Consequently, he criticised actions such as border closure, power cuts, and financial restrictions. He said these steps weakened historical and economic ties.
Furthermore, he stressed that Nigeria and Niger share deep cultural and family links. He said past cooperation helped Nigeria during the civil war and in projects like Kainji Dam.
ECOWAS Crisis and Regional Fallout
Meanwhile, Obasanjo said Nigeria mishandled ECOWAS, a body built over 50 years. He said poor decisions weakened the bloc’s unity.
However, critics argued that the response to the Niger coup lacked strategy. They said it strained ties and reduced Nigeria’s regional influence.
Consequently, Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso later exited the bloc. This move further weakened regional cohesion.
Refineries, Economy Under Scrutiny
Furthermore, Obasanjo criticised the oil sector. He said refineries under Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited cannot work efficiently.
Meanwhile, he blamed poor maintenance, corruption, and weak structure. He said past efforts to привлеч private investors failed due to low profitability.
Furthermore, he cited talks with Shell and a failed refinery deal involving Aliko Dangote. He added that government spent about $16 billion on refineries with little result.
Warning Against One-Party State
However, Obasanjo warned against a one-party state. He said it would harm Nigeria’s democracy and development.
Meanwhile, he noted that Tinubu has denied plans for such a system. He said he would take the president at his word but warned of the risks.
Furthermore, Obasanjo dismissed the National Council of State as ineffective. He said its advisory role rarely influences policy.
Hope for Nigeria’s Future
Consequently, Obasanjo said Nigeria can still recover. He pointed to the country’s potential and the resilience of its people.
Meanwhile, he stressed that progress depends on better leadership and governance. He said Nigeria needs clear thinking and strong decisions to regain its position.
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