In a powerful statement, former President Obasanjo has openly criticized Tinubu’s reign, declaring that it underscores Nigeria’s troubling descent into a failed state. As the nation grapples with rising challenges, Obasanjo’s remarks highlight the urgent need for reflection and action to steer the country back on course before it sinks deeper into chaos.
In a heartfelt keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum held at Yale University, former President Olusegun Obasanjo shared his deep concerns about Nigeria’s challenging economic situation. He expressed that the current hardships faced by the nation are exacerbated by a troubling lack of accountability among its leaders.
Obasanjo’s speech, titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” resonated with many as he shed light on the dire circumstances affecting countless Nigerians. He poignantly stated, “As the world can see and understand, Nigeria’s situation is bad.”
Drawing inspiration from Singapore, he underscored the importance of responsive leadership in addressing the evolving needs of a nation’s citizens, particularly in vital areas such as healthcare, education, and social welfare. This contrast highlighted the urgent need for change in Nigeria’s leadership approach.
In his address, he lamented, “The more the immorality and corruption of a nation, the more the nation sinks into chaos, insecurity, conflict, discord, division, disunity, depression, youth restiveness, confusion, violence, and underdevelopment.” He poignantly illustrated how this is manifesting in Nigeria, especially during troubling times, noting the widespread suffering due to pervasive corruption and mismanagement.
Obasanjo also reflected on the advice of esteemed writer Chinua Achebe from his influential 1983 treatise, “The Trouble with Nigeria,” which underscores that the core issue plaguing Nigeria is a failure of leadership. He emphasized, “The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of its leaders to rise to the responsibility, to the challenge of personal example which are the hallmarks of true leadership.”
The gravity of his message was reinforced by the warning from two prominent US intellectuals about the potential repercussions of Nigeria’s challenges on the African continent as a whole. He described “state capture” as a pervasive form of corruption that undermines the country’s progress, allowing powerful individuals and groups to manipulate policies and resources for personal gain.
Obasanjo highlighted that such state capture often occurs subtly, through close ties among political and business elites. He voiced his concerns over how national assets are being appropriated by the privileged few, often at the expense of the broader population. He urged for urgent action to prevent this troubling trend through both local and international laws.
He further explained how public institutions are at risk of being captured, stressing that this leads to decisions made in favor of specific interests rather than the public good. He poignantly pointed out that such practices not only harm economic development but also diminish the quality of public services, education, and healthcare.
In conclusion, Obasanjo’s address was not just a call to action; it was a sincere invitation to reflect on the responsibility of leadership in shaping a better future for Nigeria and its people. His words serve as a reminder that, despite the challenges, there is still hope for positive change through accountable and compassionate leadership.
Punch.ng