Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized current African leaders, suggesting many should be imprisoned or face severe penalties due to their misconduct.
Speaking at his Abeokuta library, Obasanjo also called for a reevaluation of liberal democracy in Africa, highlighting issues with the current political system.
He made this startling remarks while speaking at his Abeokuta Library on Friday about the state of governance in Nigeria and Africa. He also called for a reevaluation of liberal democracy in Africa, highlighting issues with the current political system.
“Yes, the system; yes, democracy. We have to rethink democracy. We have to rethink the form of government. But what about 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,” he said
“Now if these are the people that are ruling us then what do you expect? It doesn’t matter whether you or whatever you make it, it will not, so the point is the character of the people that are coming to the government. Their attributes, the sort of people they truly are.”
Obasanjo addressed six federal lawmakers advocating for a six-year presidential term and regional rotation of Nigeria’s presidency, stating, “Our main problem is ourselves.”
He emphasized that systemic changes alone won’t solve the issues if the mentality of those in power remains unchanged. He warned that the character of people in government needs a drastic overhaul.
The former president also challenged the current liberal democratic practices in Africa, criticizing the concept of a “loyal opposition” that often results in the suppression of genuine dissent. He highlighted the counterproductive nature of this approach, which undermines societal advancement.
