August 09, (THEWILL) – Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has warned that the country is currently sitting on a keg of gunpowder, cautioning that if necessary precautions are not taken, the nation will explode.
Speaking on Friday, in his Presidential Library, in Abeokuta, when he received six House of Representatives members, who have sponsored bills for a single six-year term and rotational presidency between the north and the south, Obasanjo acknowledged the legitimacy of the demands of youths currently protesting against poor governance in the nation, saying: “They are frustrated, they are hungry, they are angry, they are unemployed and they deserve to be heard.”
Highlighting the need for fundamental change, Obasanjo criticised the inconsistency in governance and the failure to build upon past foundations laid during his tenure. He lamented the regression in national development efforts, attributing it to the removal of critical building blocks.
According to the former President, Nigeria has taken two steps forward and four steps backwards since his administration ended in 2007.
“As I have warned earlier, we should recognise that we are all sitting on a powder keg if we fail to begin doing the right thing. For instance, what the youth are demanding is very legitimate and should be listened to. Why should they be denied what rightfully belongs to them? They are frustrated, they are hungry, they are angry, they are unemployed, and they deserve to be heard”, he said.
Noting that many in government should currently be behind bars or on the gallows, Obasanjo proposed a re-evaluation of Nigeria’s democratic structure, beyond changing the country’s system of government to thinking and character change.
While answering the representatives about whether a single six-year term is the way to go or not, Obasanjo said, “More than anything else, such as changing our system of government or adopting a single term of six or four years, we must change our ways of doing things. We must reform our thinking and character. I wish that succeeding governments had built upon the foundation we laid, even if not as quickly as hoped, but sadly, the blocks we put in place are being removed.”
“What I know about Nigeria is that if we get it right — both leadership and team — because one tree does not make a forest, you need a good leader but also a good team for a well-done job. If we get it right in about two and a half years, we could overcome some challenges, and in about 10 years, we will have a solid foundation. In about 25 years, we could be there. But we always take one step forward, two steps aside, and four steps backwards, which is why we are where we are.
“For me, it is not just about the system; we may need to rethink our liberal democracy. In Africa, we often talk about loyal opposition, but what we do is reach a consensus and then there is no opposition; everyone is on the same page and moves together. In many African languages, the word for opposition translates to ‘enemies.’ What do you do with loyal enemies? Once you take power, you claim everything, and the opposition is left in the wilderness. This approach is not beneficial. We need everyone to join hands to advance society.
“Our main problem is ourselves. Whether we adopt a single term of six years or two terms of four years, if we maintain the same mentality and approach, nothing will change. The real issue is ourselves. Yes, the system needs rethinking, but the character of people in government must change. With all due respect, many in government should currently be behind bars or on the gallows.”
The six lawmakers the former President played host to include Abdulmalik Danga, from Kogi, Dr Usman Midala. from Borno, Matthew Nwogu, from Imo, Peter Aniekwe from Anambra, Kama Nkemkanma, from Ebonyi and Ugochinyere Ikenga, from Imo.
