Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized Nigeria’s current leadership, claiming that the country has become a “failed state” due to the policies of his successors, former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu. He argued that their leadership has led Nigeria into a state of chaos, insecurity, and underdevelopment. Obasanjo made these remarks during a speech at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University in the United States. The forum, which honors the late Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe, hosted Obasanjo’s keynote address titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” which was delivered via a pre-recorded video. Although Obasanjo did not directly name the two leaders, he referenced their popular nicknames: “Baba-go-slow” for Buhari and “Emilokan” for Tinubu, both of which have been used by their critics. According to Obasanjo, the situation in Nigeria is dire, marked by widespread corruption and immorality that has worsened the country’s instability, youth unrest, and underdevelopment. He emphasized that the “failed state” status of Nigeria is evident in the consequences of pervasive corruption, incompetence, and injustice. Obasanjo also criticized the Nigerian judiciary, claiming it has been compromised by politicians as part of a larger “state capture.” He argued that the judiciary, once respected internationally, has now become a tool for political manipulation. He pointed out that politicians often encourage their rivals to “go to court” after rigging elections, knowing that they can rely on a compromised judicial system. Obasanjo likened this situation to a cancerous growth that needs to be excised from Nigeria. In addition, Obasanjo spoke about how the political elite continues to exploit the nation’s resources for personal gain. He criticized the practice of acquiring national assets at below-market prices and allocating resources to local, regional, and international interests. He also mentioned the continued control of some states by former governors, such as one who, despite leaving office 25 years ago, still holds significant influence in his state. Obasanjo and Tinubu have a long history of political rivalry, which began during Obasanjo’s presidency when Tinubu was the governor of Lagos State. Their political animosity continued, with Obasanjo’s party failing to unseat Tinubu in the 2003 elections. The only time they aligned politically was in 2015 when they worked together to oppose the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan. Finally, Obasanjo condemned Nigerian politicians for exploiting the country’s widespread poverty and hunger, using “stomach infrastructure” tactics—distributing food and gifts to the poor in exchange for votes. He noted that such practices, funded by looted public funds, take advantage of vulnerable citizens rather than offering real solutions to their long-term problems. In summary, Obasanjo painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s political landscape, accusing its leaders of corruption, state capture, and neglect of the country’s development needs. READ ALSO:
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has hit back at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, urging him to “stop grabbing people’s land” and distributing it to his allies. Adeyanju’s comments came after a war of words between the two, sparked by the demolition of a community by the FCT Joint Task Force, which left thousands of Abuja residents homeless. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Adeyanju responded to Wike’s previous remark, where the minister had referred to him as “a jobless man” for leading protests against the demolitions. Adeyanju defended his actions, saying his only “crime” was speaking out against Wike’s actions, adding that the minister appears to have a deep disdain for constructive criticism. He vowed to continue criticizing Wike whenever he engages in unlawful or harmful behavior, particularly regarding his policies in the FCT, which Adeyanju accused of favoring wealthy cronies while displacing poor residents. Adeyanju further criticized Wike for admitting that he was giving land seized from poor communities to his friends, arguing that such behavior exposes the corruption in Nigeria’s leadership. Adeyanju also recalled his past interactions with Wike, dismissing claims that he had begged the former Rivers State governor to support his bid for a leadership role in the PDP. He clarified that while he did meet with Wike and other party leaders when he was still active in politics, he had resigned from politics eight years ago, and had faced harassment, imprisonment, and physical attacks since then. Despite their disagreements, Adeyanju revealed that Wike had previously expressed support for his political ambitions, contrary to Wike’s recent claims. He also pointed out that his consultation with party leaders wasn’t about begging, but rather about garnering support for his candidacy. Addressing Wike’s accusations, Adeyanju explained that his opposition to Wike’s policies, such as the controversial inclusion of figures like Ali Modu-Sheriff and Jimmy Agbaje in the PDP, led to Wike turning against him. He described Wike’s personal attacks as “selfish” and “vindictive.” Adeyanju also criticized Wike for his authoritarian attitude and his penchant for turning public spaces into properties for his personal gain. On the issue of his profession, Adeyanju proudly noted that his law firm employs over 25 people, dismissing Wike’s claim that he was “jobless.” He contrasted his career success with Wike’s, accusing the minister of using his position to loot public resources rather than contribute meaningfully to society. He further condemned Wike’s actions, including land grabs in the FCT, converting public parks into private residences, and his reluctance to tolerate any form of opposition. “I have never been a public official or political appointee,” Adeyanju emphasized, proudly identifying as a lawyer and businessman. He criticized Wike for having no “second address,” implying that his entire identity revolves around his public office and the corruption associated with it. Adeyanju concluded that Wike has a “god complex” and doesn’t tolerate being challenged, even though Adeyanju claims to have proof of all his accusations. READ ALSO: Price of Locally Produced Rice Expected to Surge by 55% in 2025
