9th August 2024
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned that Nigeria is sitting on a keg of gunpowder that could explode if the nation fails to take courageous and decisive steps to address its numerous challenges.
Speaking on Friday, when he received six members of the House of Representatives, who are co-sponsors of bills proposing a single six-year term, rotation of the presidency between the North and South, and rotation of governorship slots among the three senatorial districts of each of the 36 state, Obasanjo maintained that the country will not progress towards achieving its goals unless leaders and citizens embrace what he termed “moral rearmament.”
He described Nigeria as a retrogressive country and stated that the demands of #EndBadGovernance protesters were very legitimate, that government should heed the people’s grievances and cease pretending that all is well.
“They are frustrated, hungry, angry, and unemployed, and they deserve to be heard.”
Obasanjo lamented that succeeding governments have failed to build on the foundation he established, resulting in significant setbacks for the country.
Speaking further, he said, “More than anything else, such as changing our system of government or adopting a single term of six or four years, we must change our ways of doing things. We must reform our thinking and character.
“I wish that succeeding governments had built upon the foundation we laid, even if not as quickly as hoped, but sadly, the blocks we put in place are being removed.
“If we get it right in about two and a half years, we could overcome some challenges, and in about 10 years, we will have a solid foundation. In about 25 years, we could be there.
“Our main problem is ourselves. Whether we adopt a single term of six years or two terms of four years, if we maintain the same mentality and approach, nothing will change.
Obasanjo also stated that the three arms of government —namely, the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary — as well as the civil service and the private sector, must change their ways, “otherwise we all sink in the same boat called Nigeria.”
The ex-president also warned that the widespread corruption in the oil sector would prevent our refineries from functioning effectively, noting that Shell, which he contacted to take over the operation of the refineries during his time in government, declined the offer due to the unimaginable level of corruption.
Speaking on behalf of the lawmakers, Ugochinyere Ikenga, representing Ideato North/Imo South federal constituency, Imo State, said that the legislators came to seek insights from the former President, recognising him as one of the most highly respected voices in Africa.
The lawmakers who visited Obasanjo at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta included Abdulmalik Danga from Kogi, Dr Usman Midala from Borno, Matthew Nwogu from Imo, Peter Aniekwe from Anambra, Kama Nkemkanma from Ebonyi, and Ugochinyere Ikenga from Imo.
