Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a stark warning that Nigeria faces imminent disaster if urgent actions are not taken to address its mounting challenges. Speaking from his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Obasanjo emphasized the need for “moral rearmament” and cautioned that the nation is “sitting on a keg of gunpowder” that could explode at any moment.
Reflecting on his time in office, Obasanjo highlighted the pervasive corruption in the oil sector, sharing his experiences with Shell during his presidency. He warned that this corruption is a significant obstacle preventing the country’s refineries from functioning effectively. The former president also expressed concern that successive governments have failed to build on the foundation he laid, leading to significant setbacks for Nigeria.
Addressing the demands of the #EndBadGovernance protesters, Obasanjo described their grievances as “very legitimate” and urged the government to listen. He called for a fundamental shift in the nation’s approach to governance, advocating for a single six-year term for presidents and governors, along with the rotation of offices between regions.
Obasanjo’s comments came during a visit by a delegation from the House of Representatives, led by Ugochinyere Ikenga, who sought his insights on proposed bills aimed at addressing Nigeria’s challenges. The bills propose reforms, including a single six-year term and the rotation of the presidency between the North and South, as well as governorship slots among senatorial districts.
Obasanjo stressed that Nigeria must act decisively and courageously to navigate its current challenges, warning that failure to do so could lead to deeper crises. He expressed optimism that if the country “gets it right,” some challenges could be overcome in as little as two and a half years, with a solid foundation potentially established within a decade. However, he cautioned that the window for effective action is rapidly closing.