Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed his disapproval of the current state of the country, stating that most of its leaders should be behind bars or gallows instead of holding public offices. He made this statement while addressing six lawmakers from the House of Representatives on Friday.
Obasanjo emphasized the importance of considering character when choosing leaders, saying that until leaders change their mentality, the country will not see the change it desires. He questioned the character of those in government, saying that many should be behind bars or even on the gallows.
“Our main problem is ourselves, and until we take care of ourselves, we may have one term of four years, one term of six years, one term of seven years, if it’s the same people and same mentality and way we do things, then it won’t change,” Obasanjo said.
“Yes, system, yes democracy, we have to rethink democracy, we have to rethink the form of government, but what is the character of the people in government? With all due respect, most of them should be behind bars, some should even be in the gallows, and that is the truth.”
Obasanjo stressed the need to rethink democracy and the form of government, but also highlighted the importance of the character of those in power. He encouraged the selection of leaders with good track records and role models.
“We need to really think about how we select leaders, what should be the character of a leader we select? What should be their track record? Where should we find them? Are they role models? And I think those are the first things we have to think about,” he stated.
The lawmakers who visited Obasanjo included Abdulmalik Danga from Kogi, Dr. Usman Midala from Borno, Matthew Nwogu from Imo, Peter Aniekwe from Anambra, Kama Nkemkanma from Ebonyi, and Ugochinyere Ikenga from Imo.
Obasanjo’s comments come amid ongoing political tensions and calls for change in Nigeria. His statement has sparked debate and discussion about the country’s leadership and the need for reform.
