Former President Obasanjo criticizes Nigeria’s development, stating that the nation makes progress but is consistently hindered by setbacks, describing it as “two steps forward, two steps backward.
On Friday, Olusegun Obasanjo, the former President of Nigeria expressed that for the country to make progress, those holding power must alter their mindset and introspectively evaluate themselves.
According to Obasanjo, Nigeria’s progress is characterized by moving forward and then retracting the same distance.
Six lawmakers from the House of Representatives, led by Ugochinyere Ikenga representing Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State visited the former President who spoke during their visit.
Abdulmalik Danga from Adavi/Okehi, Usman Midala representing Askira-Uba/Hawul, Peter Aniekwe hailing from Anambra East/West and Kama Nkemkanma of Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo were among the other lawmakers present.
According to Obasanjo, the demands made by lawmakers for a one-term Presidency, countrywide elections in a single day and power rotation between North and South are inadequate to bring the nation on track.
According to him, the sole elements that can steer favorable progress in the nation are purposeful leadership and a strong team.
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According to Obasanjo, Nigeria’s main challenge is getting leadership and the team right. He believes that within two and a half years, these issues can be overcome.
If Nigeria’s leaders do not take prompt and courageous measures to tackle various issues, the country could face an explosion at any time – such was his warning that they were sitting on a keg of gunpowder.
We must consolidate our accomplishments in the next decade, and 25 years from now, we will achieve our goal. The obstacle is that we make progress but also regress; this approach will not lead us to success.
“In the African system, consensus is our typical approach to work. Collaborating and working together are crucial for achieving success. Our focus should be on improving our mindset regardless of having a single six-year term Presidency or two four-year terms.”
The decarbonization of our brains is imperative. Our primary obstacle lies within ourselves; thus, the duration of tenure holds little significance until we confront and mitigate these challenges.
The former President added that if those with the same mindset retain power, there will be no progress. Therefore, we must begin by reflecting on ourselves.
Ikenga stated that the legislators had traveled to Abeokuta, which is the capital of Ogun State. Their purpose was to seek counsel from the former president and tap into his vast expertise in regards to progress and effective governance.
The lawmaker commended Obasanjo for implementing numerous reforms during his tenure, while also censuring subsequent administrations for failing to build upon his accomplishments to improve the welfare of Nigerians.
The legislator stated that had past administrations united electricity, foreign policy, civil service and digital reforms together, the current economic hardships would not be a concern.
