Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has long been a vocal advocate for good leadership in Nigeria, using his platform to address the nation’s governance challenges. His persistent calls for effective leadership stem from a deep concern for the country’s development and stability, as well as his personal experiences in office.
Obasanjo’s definition of good leadership is rooted in integrity, accountability, and a commitment to the welfare of the people. He believes that a true leader must serve the public with sincerity, fostering a government that is transparent and responsive to the needs of its citizens. According to Obasanjo, leadership should not be about personal gain or power but about uplifting the nation and ensuring that every Nigerian has the opportunity to thrive.
The former president, who spoke recently as a Special Guest of Honour at the Leadership Empowerment International Conference event held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, attributed the country’s development stagnation to what he described as “self-centred” leadership, who lack relevant knowledge and understanding.
Obasanjo said leadership is a lasting virtue that endures until the end of one’s life, stressing that once the issue of poor leadership is resolved, “we will get all other things right”.
“There is no end to leadership and service to your community until you take your last breath. You are never too old to be a leader and contribute to the development of your community, your state, your country, the continent, and the world,” Obasanjo said.
“And if you ask me in one word what is the bane of Nigeria today, I will not hesitate. I will say it is leadership. Leadership that is self-centred, leadership that lacks knowledge and understanding, and leadership that does not view service as the core of what leadership is about.
“If we can get the leadership right, we will get all other things right. This is what LEIC is doing that is commendable and very good. We must encourage and instil good leadership at every level of our national life,” he said.
The former president said Africa has so much resources, such as 70 per cent of the world’s copper.
“Japan has no mineral resources. Singapore is even worse—no resources! But, whatever resources we have, if we lack leadership, it won’t get us anywhere. That is why leadership in Africa is so crucial.
“We can’t create an Africa of hope, prosperity, free from oppression, and characterised by security, peace, and visionary leaders without effective leadership,” he said.
Criticism of successive leaders
Over the years, Obasanjo has not shied away from criticizing the leadership in Nigeria, particularly when he perceives that it is failing to meet these standards. His criticisms often focus on corruption, lack of vision, and the prioritization of self-interest over national interest. Obasanjo has argued that these issues have hindered Nigeria’s progress and have contributed to persistent poverty, insecurity, and underdevelopment.
Obasanjo is one elder statesman who has written a number of open letters at various times to former presidents, letting them know the prevailing situation of the country. He wrote one letter to former President Goodluck Jonathan and two letters to former President Muhammadu Buhari. He didn’t write any letter to late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, perhaps because the Yar’Adua presidency was shortlived.
In an 18-page letter dated December 2nd, 2013 and addressed to former President Jonathan, titled “Before it is too late”, Obasanjo said, “Nigeria is bleeding and the hemorrhage must be stopped.”
He accused Jonathan of performing below par and taking actions calculated at destroying the country. He said Jonathan failed to deliver on his promises to the Nigerian people to stem corruption, promote national unity and strengthen national security.
The former President, who was a member of the PDP with President Jonathan before publicly tearing his party membership card, said Jonathan betrayed God and the Nigerian people that brought him to power, instead of taking steps to advance Nigeria’s interest and up the standards of living of Nigerians.
He added that President Jonathan has been pursuing selfish personal and political interests based on advice he received from “self-centred aides”.
“As a leader, two things you must cherish and hold dear among others are trust and honour, both of which are important ingredients of character. I will want to see anyone in the Office of the Presidency of Nigeria as a man or woman who can be trusted, a person of honour in his words and character,” Obasanjo said.
Also, in July 2019, Obasanjo wrote his first letter to the then President Buhari raising economic concerns and urging him to address the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is on the precipice and dangerously reaching a tipping point where it may no longer be possible to hold danger at bay,” Obasanjo said.
His focus in the letter was on Boko Haram and the “herdsmen/farmers crisis”, and his sense of urgency was palpable.
He wrote: “When people are desperate and feel that they cannot have confidence in the ability of the government to provide security for their lives and properties, they will take recourse to anything and everything that can guarantee their security individually and collectively.”
Similarly, Obasanjo in a second letter to Buhari in February 2023, made an appeal for caution and rectification regarding the 2023 presidential election.
“I crave the indulgence of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency General Muhammadu Buhari, to make this statement because I have had the opportunity to keep him aware of what I know is happening and the danger looming ahead,” Obasanjo wrote.
“On many occasions in the past, I have not hesitated to point out lacuna in the actions of the President and his government. But as far as the election issues are concerned, the President has proved beyond reasonable doubt that he will want to leave a legacy of free, fair, transparent and credible elections.
“Until last Saturday night, February 25, 2023, the good and noble plan and preparation for the elections seemed to be going well. For the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a lot of money was spent to introduce Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and the Server for immediate transmission of results from polling units.
“It is no secret that INEC officials, at operational level, have been allegedly compromised to make what should have worked not to work and to revert to manual transmission of results which is manipulated and the results doctored.
“The Chairman of INEC may claim ignorance but he cannot fold his hands and do nothing when he knows that the election process has been corrupted and most of the results that are brought outside BVAS and Server are not true reflection of the will of Nigerians who have made their individual choice.
“At this stage, we do not need wittingly or unwittingly to set this country on fire with the greed, irresponsibility and unpatriotic acts of those who allegedly gave money to INEC officials for perversion and those who collected the blood money. Let me appeal to the Chairman of INEC, if his hands are clean, to save Nigeria from the looming danger and disaster which is just waiting to happen.
“If the Chairman can postpone elections four days to the election, he can do everything to rectify the errors of the last two days – no BVAS, no result to be acceptable; and no uploading through Server, no result to be acceptable. Whereas, BVAS and Servers have been manipulated or rendered inactive, such results must be declared void and inadmissible for election declaration,” he said.
Advocacy for reforms and role in national discourse
Obasanjo has consistently advocated for reforms that would strengthen Nigeria’s political institutions and promote better governance. He has called for electoral reforms to ensure free and fair elections, emphasizing that credible elections are crucial for installing leaders who truly represent the will of the people. Additionally, he has pushed for stronger anti-corruption measures, believing that corruption is one of the biggest obstacles to good governance in Nigeria.
As a respected elder statesman, Obasanjo’s opinions carry significant weight in Nigeria’s political discourse. His speeches, letters, and public statements often spark national debate, drawing attention to critical issues and encouraging both leaders and citizens to reflect on the state of the nation. Even after leaving office, Obasanjo remains a key figure in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
Final thought
Olusegun Obasanjo’s clamour for good leadership in Nigeria is driven by his belief in the potential of the country and his desire to see it fulfill its promise. His calls for integrity, accountability, and reforms resonate with many Nigerians who share his vision of a nation led by capable and ethical leaders. As Nigeria continues to face significant challenges, Obasanjo’s voice remains a crucial one in the ongoing struggle for a better future.
