Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that Nigeria will continue to face setbacks unless its leaders take courageous and decisive steps to address the country’s numerous challenges. During a meeting with six members of the House of Representatives at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta on August 9, 2024, Obasanjo emphasized that a proposed six-year single-term presidency is not the solution to Nigeria’s problems.
Obasanjo warned that Nigeria is metaphorically “sitting on a keg of gunpowder” that could explode if leaders fail to act decisively. He highlighted the legitimacy of the demands made by the #EndBadGovernance protesters, urging the government to address these issues rather than merely covering up problems.
The former president also criticized the opulent lifestyles of some government officials, particularly when the majority of Nigerians are struggling. He expressed regret that successive governments have not built on the foundation he laid during his tenure, leading to significant setbacks for the nation.
Obasanjo argued that the country’s main problem is not the system of government or the length of presidential terms but the mentality and character of those in power. He called for a change in the way things are done in Nigeria, emphasizing the need to “decarbonise our brains” and rethink the approach to leadership and democracy.
He pointed out that simply changing the system or the length of terms will not resolve the underlying issues if the same mentality persists. Obasanjo suggested that true progress requires both effective leadership and a strong, unified team working together for the common good. He called for an end to the “winner-takes-all” mentality and urged for greater collaboration and consensus-building to move the country forward.
Obasanjo concluded by stating that the root of Nigeria’s problems lies within the people themselves, and until there is a change in character and mentality among those in power, the country will continue to struggle regardless of any systemic changes. He even went so far as to suggest that many current government officials should face legal consequences for their actions.