Presidency Fires Back at Obasanjo, Claims He Lacks Credibility as a Leadership Example

The Nigerian presidency has issued a scathing response to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s recent comments on leadership, arguing that his own track record undermines his credibility as a role model.

Obasanjo had made critical remarks about both past and current administrations during his speech at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, suggesting that Nigeria is at risk of becoming a failed state due to poor governance after his tenure.

In a swift rebuttal, the presidency criticized Obasanjo’s leadership history, accusing him of significant political and economic errors that continue to affect the country. The statement claimed that subsequent administrations, including those of Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Tinubu, have been grappling with problems rooted in Obasanjo’s era.

Highlighting controversies during Obasanjo’s presidency, the response pointed to constitutional violations, questionable economic policies, and inadequate investment in key sectors like infrastructure, education, and security. Specific incidents cited include the impeachment of governors by minority votes and attempts to secure an unconstitutional third term.

The presidency also criticized Obasanjo’s privatization policies, arguing that state assets were sold at undervalued prices, and noted the failure of his administration’s massive spending on power projects, which yielded little improvement.

Additionally, the presidency linked the origins of Nigeria’s security challenges to Obasanjo’s time in office, referencing the rise of militancy in the Niger Delta and the emergence of Boko Haram.

While Obasanjo had praised his administration’s repayment of Nigeria’s debt to the Paris Club, the presidency countered that the funds could have been better allocated to crucial infrastructure projects. It also mentioned various scandals from Obasanjo’s era, suggesting they undermine his position as a paragon of integrity.

The presidency concluded its statement by urging Obasanjo to focus on introspection regarding his own leadership decisions rather than criticizing others. It emphasized the current administration’s commitment to tackling the nation’s pressing issues.