Nigeria’s former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, emphasized the urgent need for transformative changes in governance for the nation’s progress. He expressed these views while hosting six lawmakers from the House of Representatives, led by Hon. Ugochinyere Ikenga from Imo State.
During the meeting, Obasanjo articulated that the nation could only overcome its myriad challenges through critical self-examination and consistent adherence to doing what is right. He remarked that the proposals for a single-term presidency and synchronized nationwide elections, while commendable, are not sufficient to steer the country in the right direction.
He highlighted the significance of purposeful leadership and a cohesive team as crucial elements for driving Nigeria’s development. “In just two and a half years, we can tackle these challenges head-on. Over the next decade, we need to build on our achievements, and in 25 years, we will be on the right path,” he asserted.
Obasanjo cautioned that Nigeria’s issue lies not solely in its governance systems but in the need to rethink its democratic approach. He suggested that rather than adhering strictly to Western Liberal Democracy, which emphasizes a loyal opposition, Nigeria should focus on consensus-based decision-making typical of African systems.
He continued, “We must collaborate to effect change. Whether we opt for a six-year term or two four-year terms, the key is to transform our mentality. We need to ‘decarbonize’ our minds. The fundamental barrier to our progress is ourselves. Until we confront our internal issues, the duration of office terms will be irrelevant.”
The former president also stressed the importance of electing leaders with proven integrity and character, asserting that the quality of leadership is paramount in addressing Nigeria’s challenges. He underscored that having upright individuals in power is essential for the nation’s advancement, regardless of how long they hold office.
Hon. Ikenga, in his remarks, noted that the delegation’s visit to Abeokuta was to show solidarity with Obasanjo and to draw from his extensive experience in governance. He acknowledged the significant reforms introduced during Obasanjo’s tenure, attributing the current economic difficulties to the failure of subsequent administrations to build upon those foundations.
Ikenga mentioned that they were co-sponsoring bills advocating for a single six-year presidential term, power rotation between Northern and Southern regions, and simultaneous elections for various offices to mitigate bandwagon effects.
