Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo critiques Nigeria’s leadership and advocates for a re-evaluation of its political system, declaring that Western liberal democracy is failing the nation. He exposes corruption and mismanagement among leaders, particularly criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s policies and proposing an alternative governance model named “Afrodemocracy.”
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has voiced a strong critique of the country’s political system, asserting that “Western liberal democracy” is failing Nigeria. He has condemned current and former leaders as “ill-prepared, satanic, and self-centered,” accusing them of exploiting their positions for personal gain, ultimately leaving the nation in a worse state than before.
Obasanjo articulated these views in his recently published book, “Nigeria: Past and Future,” which was unveiled during his 88th birthday festivities. In the book, he highlights how many political leaders have accrued significant debts before taking office, believing they could repay these from public funds.
He questioned the rationale behind a governor who, despite owing billions prior to election, manages to clear his debts within two years of assuming office. Moreover, he emphasized that state resources are often monopolized by leaders, with minimal compensation offered to staff to suppress dissent.
Specifically targeting President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Obasanjo labeled its policies as corrupt and wasteful. He criticized the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project as a key example of misplaced priorities. He stated, “Typical examples of waste and corruption include the murky Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, on which the President has turned deaf ears to protests.”
Obasanjo also challenged the construction of the Vice President’s residence, which cost N21 billion during economic hardship, underscoring the leaders’ priorities during tough times. He advocates for the evaluation of Nigeria’s political framework, proposing the concept of “Afrodemocracy” as a potential solution that aligns with Africa’s distinct cultural and historical context.
He concluded, “If the West, where liberal democracy originated, complains about its flaws, then we should be wise enough to introspect and develop a system that works for Africa.”
In summary, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has articulated significant concerns regarding Nigeria’s political system, particularly criticizing the current leadership’s failure and the ineffectiveness of Western democracy in the Nigerian context. He advocates for a re-evaluation of governance models, proposing an alternative termed “Afrodemocracy” that would align better with Africa’s specific needs and cultural heritage. Obasanjo’s insights reflect a deep-seated urgency for reform within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
