Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly criticized Nigeria’s current leadership, asserting that many of those in power lack the integrity required to lead the nation and should instead be behind bars. Obasanjo made these remarks during a meeting at his residence in Abeokuta, where he hosted six members of the House of Representatives.
The former president did not mince words, stating that the root of Nigeria’s problems lies in the character of its leaders. He emphasized that without a fundamental change in leadership mentality, the country will not see the progress it desperately needs.
“Our main issue isn’t just the system or democracy itself; it’s the people who occupy these positions of power,” Obasanjo said. “Many of them should be in jail, and some even deserve harsher punishments. As long as we keep electing individuals with the same flawed mentality, no amount of systemic change will make a difference.”
Obasanjo called for a thorough rethinking of how leaders are selected in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of evaluating a leader’s character, track record, and suitability as a role model before allowing them to assume public office. According to him, these criteria should be prioritized to ensure that only those truly qualified to lead the country are given the opportunity.
The lawmakers who visited Obasanjo, led by Ugochinyere Ikenga from Imo State, are co-sponsors of bills advocating for a single six-year presidential term and the rotation of leadership between Nigeria’s northern and southern regions. However, Obasanjo made it clear that structural reforms alone would not suffice without addressing the deeper issue of leadership quality in the country.
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