Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has openly criticized the current state of Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu, calling the country a “failing state” marred by corruption, insecurity, and poor leadership.
Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum held at Yale University in Connecticut, USA, Obasanjo didn’t mince words. He described Tinubu’s leadership style as sluggish and self-serving, referring to him as “Baba-go-slow” and “Emilokan,” a term popularized during Tinubu’s campaign.
“The failing state status of Nigeria is glaringly evident to every honest person,” Obasanjo said. “The immorality and corruption within a nation directly lead to chaos, insecurity, and disunity.”
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During his lecture titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” Obasanjo painted a worrying picture of the nation’s challenges. He blamed these issues on systemic corruption, lack of accountability, and the failure of leaders to rise to the occasion.
Drawing inspiration from Chinua Achebe’s iconic book The Trouble with Nigeria, Obasanjo argued that the country’s woes are rooted in leadership failures rather than cultural or environmental factors.
He expressed concerns over state capture, where public institutions and resources are manipulated by powerful groups for personal gain. “State capture is one of the most pervasive forms of corruption,” Obasanjo explained. He highlighted how national assets are sold off at undervalued prices and how vested interests influence policies for their benefit.
Obasanjo also criticized the cozy relationship between business and political elites, facilitated by nepotism, lobbying, and vote-buying. He warned that this prioritization of private gain over public welfare is detrimental to critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Despite his harsh critique, Obasanjo expressed hope for Nigeria, emphasizing that the country’s problems are solvable with the right leadership. He urged for accountability and reforms to address the deep-seated challenges.
In honoring Chinua Achebe, Obasanjo praised the late literary giant as “a great and distinguished Nigerian” whose legacy continues to serve as a beacon for leadership and integrity.
Obasanjo’s remarks have sparked widespread discussions about Nigeria’s current state and the urgent need for transformative leadership.
