Obasanjo's comments came during a meeting with six members of the House of Representatives who were co-sponsors of bills proposing a single six-year term for the presidency, rotation of the presidency between the North and South, and rotation of governorship positions among the three senatorial districts in each of Nigeria's 36 states. The meeting took place at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
During the meeting, Obasanjo expressed deep concern about Nigeria's current trajectory, describing the country as one that takes "two steps forward, one step aside, and four steps backward." He noted that the demands made by the #EndBadGovernance protesters are entirely legitimate and that the government should listen to the grievances of the people instead of pretending that all is well. He warned that ignoring these demands could lead to serious consequences, as the frustrations of the youth, who are angry, hungry, and unemployed, must not be overlooked.
Obasanjo lamented that the successive governments have failed to build on the foundation he laid during his time in office, which has led to significant setbacks for the nation. He expressed disappointment that many of the positive developments and structures he put in place have been dismantled or neglected, resulting in the country's current challenges.
He pointed out that the real issue is not just about changing the system of government or adopting different political structures, such as a single six-year term for the presidency. Instead, the country must focus on changing the way things are done, reforming the mindset and character of those in leadership positions, and ensuring that governance is carried out with integrity and a sense of responsibility.
Obasanjo expressed his belief that if Nigeria gets its leadership and governance right, the country could overcome some of its challenges within two and a half years, lay a solid foundation within ten years, and achieve significant progress within 25 years. However, he also acknowledged that the country has a history of making progress only to take steps backward, which has hindered its development.
Obasanjo also discussed the challenges of implementing Western-style liberal democracy in Nigeria and other African countries. He noted that in many African languages, the word for opposition translates to "enemies," which reflects a mentality where those in power see the opposition as adversaries to be defeated rather than partners in governance. This approach, he argued, is detrimental to the progress of society, as it prevents the kind of consensus and cooperation needed for effective governance.
He stressed the importance of rethinking Nigeria's political system and governance structure while also acknowledging that the character of those in government must change. He remarked that many of the current political leaders should be held accountable for their actions and, in some cases, face legal consequences.
Obasanjo's remarks highlight the critical need for Nigeria to address its deep-seated issues and take proactive steps to create a more stable, just, and prosperous society. His warning serves as a call to action for both leaders and citizens to embrace change, promote good governance, and work together to build a better future for the country.
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