OBASANJO Drops Bombshell After Soldiers Were Killed In Abia, Brutally Criticizes FG Over Rising Insecurity In Nigeria
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently voiced deep concerns regarding the escalating insecurity and social issues in Nigeria, characterizing the country as increasingly volatile, uncertain, and complex. Speaking at the Africa Methodist Council Heads of Conference Summit and Women’s Movement Leadership Summit in Lagos, where he served as Chairman of the public lecture, Obasanjo emphasized the dire state of the nation, exacerbated by widespread suffering and hunger.
In his opening remarks at the summit, which revolved around the theme Leadership in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous World, ” Obasanjo criticized the current leadership for its inadequate response. to Nigeria’ s multifaceted challenges. He stressed the urgent necessity for leaders to fulfill their responsibilities and create a safer, more prosperous environment for all citizens
Obasanjo highlighted that the prevailing insecurity has rendered Nigeria a perilous place, calling for a comprehensive re- evaluation of governance and leadership approaches. He urged Nigerian leaders to adopt innovative strategies and perspectives to effectively navigate the complexities of the modern world.
These comments come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with numerous security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and communal conflicts, which have worsened the conditions of suffering and poverty among the populace. Obasanjo emphasized the need for a new generation of leaders- moral, transformational, and servant leaders – who can lead by example and drive the necessary re- evaluation and transformation.
Further elaborating on the current state of Nigeria, Obasanjo noted that the country is not only volatile and complex but also dangerous. He pointed out that despite Africa’s rich resources, the lack of effective leadership has hindered progress. He cited examples of resource-scarce nations like Japan and Singapore that have thrived due to strong leadership, contrasting this with Africa’ s situation. where abundant resources have not translated into prosperity.
Obasanjo also reflected on his own political journey, recounting advice he received from Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu to contest the Nigerian presidency after his release from prison. He emphasized that good. leaders, once found, should be maximized for their potential, as they are rare and valuable.
The former president also criticized the removal of History from Nigeria’s educational curriculum, describing it as a significant misstep. He argued that understanding history is crucial to avoid repeating past mistakes and to preserve the memory of historical events, such as the slave trade, which he insists must remain a focal point in education. Turning to economic issues, Obasanjo lamented the discovery of crude oil in Nigeria, which he believes led to the neglect of agriculture- a renewable and sustainable resource. He highlighted the need to return to agriculture to provide opportunities for the youth, who are increasingly frustrated and restless. He warned that without education, skills, empowerment, and employment, these youths could become a threat to society.
Obasanjo also offered advice to emerging politicians, warning against treating politics as a sole profession without a backup plan. He shared his own experience, noting that having an alternative livelihood, such as his farm, gave him the independence to resist undue pressure from his political party. He stressed that politicians without an alternative means of livelihood are more likely to lack principles and succumb to unethical practices.
