Obasanjo: Nigeria Moves Two Steps Forward, Two Steps Backward.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo criticized Nigeria’s progress as a pattern of “two steps forward, two steps backward” during a meeting with six lawmakers from the House of Representatives on Friday. Speaking in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo emphasized that true advancement requires a fundamental shift in leadership mentality and self-reflection.
The lawmakers, led by Ugochinyere Ikenga, discussed various proposals, including a single-term presidency, nationwide elections in one day, and power rotation between the North and South. However, Obasanjo argued that these measures alone would not be sufficient to propel the country forward.
He stressed that effective leadership and a committed team are crucial for driving positive change. “We need to get it right in terms of leadership and the team. Within two and a half years, we can overcome these challenges,” Obasanjo asserted. He cautioned that Nigeria faces significant risks if leaders do not take decisive actions to address existing issues.
Obasanjo highlighted the importance of unity and collective effort, noting, “We have to decarbonize our brains. Our main problem is ourselves. Until we address our own issues, the length of office terms won’t matter.”
In response, Ikenga praised Obasanjo for his reforms during his presidency and criticized subsequent governments for not building on those achievements. He lamented the missed opportunities to consolidate reforms in electricity, foreign policy, civil service, and digital technology, which he believes contributed to Nigeria’s current economic challenges.