Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has delivered a sharp critique of the country’s leadership under President Bola Tinubu, calling Nigeria a “failing state” plagued by corruption and leadership failure as reported by Vanguard on Saturday, November, 16, 2024.
Obasanjo made these remarks during his keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
In a statement released by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo referred to President Tinubu with the terms “Baba-go-slow” and “Emilokan,” highlighting what he sees as slow and ineffective governance.
Obasanjo argued that Nigeria’s growing instability, insecurity, and underdevelopment are symptoms of deep-seated corruption and a lack of accountability, which he believes have worsened under the current administration.
In his lecture, titled “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” Obasanjo criticized the nation’s leadership, citing widespread corruption as a catalyst for the country’s ongoing struggles. He remarked, “The more the immorality and corruption of a nation, the more the nation sinks into chaos, insecurity, conflict, and disunity.”
He also referenced Chinua Achebe’s 1983 essay, “The Trouble with Nigeria,” stressing that the country’s problems stem from a failure in leadership, not cultural or environmental factors.
Obasanjo further accused political elites of engaging in state capture—a form of corruption where powerful groups manipulate national policies for personal gain.
He pointed out the sale of national assets at discounted prices and the undue influence exerted by vested interests over Nigeria’s political and economic systems. “What is happening in Nigeria – right before our eyes – is state capture,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Obasanjo remains hopeful that Nigeria can overcome its problems if its leadership embraces reforms and accountability.
He concluded by honoring Chinua Achebe’s contributions to Nigeria, calling him “a great and distinguished Nigerian.”
