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Many Nigerian Leaders Deserve Prison, Not Power – Obasanjo

Published

4 months ago

Aug 10, 2024.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed strong criticism of the current leaders in Nigeria, asserting that many individuals in public office lack the necessary qualities to effectively lead the nation and should be imprisoned or face harsher consequences.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that Obasanjo made these remarks at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, during a meeting with six members of the House of Representatives.

These members are co-sponsoring legislation aimed at establishing a single six-year presidential term.

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The proposed legislation also advocates for the rotation of the presidency between the northern and southern regions, as well as the rotation of governorship positions among the three senatorial districts in each of the 36 states.

In his address, Obasanjo dismissed the idea that a single six-year term for the presidency would solve the nation’s challenges, emphasizing that the core issues lie in the mentality and character of those in leadership positions.

He urged a rethinking of Nigeria’s approach to democracy, stating that the country is precariously positioned like a “powder keg” that could erupt if bold and decisive actions are not taken by its leaders.

Obasanjo expressed disappointment over the failure of successive administrations to build on the groundwork he had laid during his tenure, highlighting that this has led to significant setbacks for the country.

He emphasized the need for Nigeria to move beyond the “one step forward, two steps aside, and four steps backwards” approach that has characterized its progress, urging a more consistent and forward-thinking strategy.

Obasanjo also criticized the concept of “loyal opposition” in Nigeria, pointing out that in many African languages, the word for opposition is synonymous with “enemies.”

He argued that this mentality undermines the principles of democracy, as it leads to a winner-takes-all approach where the opposition is sidelined rather than contributing to the nation’s progress.

In his remarks, Obasanjo stated: “More than anything else, such as changing our system of government or moving to a single term of six or four years, we must change our ways of doing things in this country, we must decarbonise our brains, we must change our mentality and character.

“How I wish that the succeeding governments had built on the foundation we laid, even if not as fast as one would have wanted it. Sadly, the blocks we put there are even being removed.

“What I know about Nigeria is that, yes, if we get it right—the leadership, the team, because one tree does not make a forest—you need a good leader, but you also need a good team for a job well done.

“The point is that if we get this right, in about two and a half years, we shall get some of the challenges behind us, and in about 10 years, we would have a solid foundation, and in about 25 years, we would be there.

“But what we have always done is take one step forward, two steps aside, and four steps backwards, which is why we are where we are in the country.

“For me, it is not so much about the system, but we may need to rethink the liberal democracy where we talk of loyal opposition.

“What we do in Africa is sit down and reach a consensus, and after we have done that, there is no opposition; everyone is on the same page, and we move together.

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“The word for opposition in all African languages that I have looked into is ‘enemies.’ What do you do with loyal enemies?

“Nothing like that; once you take it, it belongs to you—the winners take all, and the opposition goes into the wilderness. That is what we do, but this is not good.

“We need everyone to join hands together and move society forward.

“The issue for me, if we get it right, whether we have a single term of six years or two terms of four years, is that we must decarbonise our brains and mentality.

“If you give someone a single term of six years, they can still do the evil they would have done in a case of two terms of four years. The only difference is that they would have done it within six years and not four years. That is if they were not re-elected for another four years.

“To me, this is not our problem. Our main problem is ourselves, and until we take care of ourselves, even if we adopt a single term of six years or one term of four years, with the same mentality and the same way of doing things, nothing will change.

“So, the very beginning is ourselves. Yes, we have to rethink our democracy, but the character of people in government must change. With all due respect, most of those in government should right now be behind bars or in the gallows.”