Obasanjo not an ideal leader to emulate, says Presidency

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has come under sharp criticism following his recent remarks on leadership and governance in Nigeria.

Speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, the former leader alleged that subsequent administrations had failed the nation, describing Nigeria as a “failing country.”

However, a statement issued on Monday by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, took issue with Obasanjo’s comments, labeling them as hypocritical and undeserving of emulation.

The statement accused Obasanjo of a legacy marred by constitutional violations, corruption, and poor leadership during his time in office.

“Brazen illegality and assault on the Constitution of Nigeria reached a disturbing height under the leadership of Chief Obasanjo,” Onanuga said, citing the unconstitutional impeachment of four state governors and allegations of corruption, including misuse of public funds and involvement in the Halliburton bribery scandal.

While acknowledging the fiscal benefits of high crude oil prices during Obasanjo’s tenure, the statement argued that these opportunities were squandered.

Key criticisms included neglecting national infrastructure, leaving federal roads in disrepair, and failing to address the country’s power crisis despite spending $16 billion on electricity projects.

“Obasanjo failed to fix the deplorable federal roads or expand the national road network,” the statement read, listing uncompleted projects such as the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

It also accused him of prioritizing personal interests, such as advancing private enterprises like his university and presidential library, funded through questionable donations.

Obasanjo’s privatization efforts were also criticized as benefiting cronies at the expense of national interests.

Onanuga highlighted the controversial sale of the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) for a fraction of its value as a prime example.

The statement further condemned Obasanjo’s third-term bid, which was described as a “failed project” that wasted billions of naira.

It argued that the flawed electoral process he oversaw in 2007 undermines his credibility to comment on governance and electoral integrity.

Additionally, Obasanjo was accused of neglecting national security during his administration, leaving the armed forces underfunded and ill-equipped.

The statement credited subsequent All Progressives Congress (APC) administrations with modernizing Nigeria’s military and improving security infrastructure.

The statement concluded by urging Obasanjo to focus on introspection rather than criticism.

“His remaining years would be better spent reflecting on the missed opportunities during his own time in leadership, both as military head of state and civilian president,” Onanuga asserted.