Obasanjo Slams Federal Leadership Over Insecurity, Questions Legitimacy

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has delivered a sharp critique of the current administration led by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing deep concern over the country’s worsening security situation.

Speaking during a recent interview, Obasanjo stressed that safeguarding lives and property remains the primary responsibility of any government. He argued that when a leadership fails in this duty, it loses its moral and political justification to remain in power.

The former leader linked Nigeria’s current security challenges to long-standing governance issues, noting that the situation has deteriorated over time due to poor decisions and lack of effective control. He warned that citizens should not become accustomed to crimes such as kidnapping and violence, recalling a period when people could travel freely without fear.

Obasanjo also raised concerns about Nigeria’s declining influence on the international stage, suggesting that weak leadership has reduced the country’s relevance in global affairs. He further criticised how regional matters have been handled, particularly relations with neighbouring countries.

In addition, he pointed to deeper structural problems, including the growing number of out-of-school children, warning that this could worsen insecurity if not urgently addressed. He maintained that without decisive action and improved governance, the country risks facing even greater instability in the future.