The Presidency has dismissed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s critiques of leadership in Nigeria, describing him as ill-suited to serve as a model for governance or public morality. In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Obasanjo’s recent remarks at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University were criticized as hypocritical and self-serving.

Onanuga detailed several shortcomings during Obasanjo’s tenure, including:

• Abuse of Power: Highlighting unconstitutional impeachments of governors and state-sponsored violence in Anambra State, particularly during the abduction of Governor Chris Ngige.

• Corruption Allegations: Accusations of misusing funds for personal projects, such as the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, and controversies like the Halliburton scandal.

• Economic Failures: The privatization of state-owned enterprises, a poorly managed power sector despite $16 billion in investments, and the neglect of critical infrastructure like federal roads.

 

Obasanjo’s economic decisions, such as paying off the Paris Club debt while ignoring pressing infrastructure needs, were also criticized as shortsighted.

The statement accused Obasanjo of neglecting the Armed Forces and laying the groundwork for Nigeria’s current security challenges, including the rise of militancy and insurgencies. It contrasted this with the APC-led administrations of Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu, which have invested heavily in modernizing the military and addressing insecurity.

Onanuga rejected Obasanjo’s critiques of electoral integrity and governance, pointing to his own flawed 2007 elections and alleged disregard for democratic principles. The statement urged Obasanjo to reflect on his leadership failures rather than criticize current administrations.

The Presidency concluded by urging Obasanjo to engage in meaningful discussions on national progress instead of indulging in self-righteous commentary. Onanuga emphasized that Nigeria’s current challenges are being addressed and that the Tinubu administration is focused on overcoming economic difficulties.