Presidency Hits Back at Obasanjo.

Presidency Hits Back at Obasanjo Amid Opposition Support for Ex-Leader

 

The Presidency has fired back at former President Olusegun Obasanjo following his scathing critique of the current administration and call for reforms in Nigeria’s leadership and electoral systems. Obasanjo, speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, condemned the state of corruption in Nigeria and demanded the removal of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, over the conduct of the 2023 elections.

 

Obasanjo’s Criticisms and Reform Suggestions

 

In his keynote address titled Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria, Obasanjo labeled corruption as the country’s greatest challenge, describing it as a “fatal stage” that threatens national survival. Citing data from 2023, he claimed over N700 billion in bribes were exchanged, with public sector corruption significantly outweighing that in the private sector.

 

He further criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of failing to address corruption effectively. On electoral matters, Obasanjo described the 2023 elections as a “travesty” and proposed shorter tenures for INEC officials to curb partisanship and improve credibility in the electoral process.

 

Opposition Aligns with Obasanjo

 

Obasanjo’s remarks received strong backing from opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). The PDP called for Yakubu’s dismissal, accusing him of dashing public trust during the elections, while the LP and NNPP echoed demands for sweeping electoral reforms to restore confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.

 

Presidency Responds with Accusations of Hypocrisy

 

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, dismissed Obasanjo’s critique as hypocritical, stating that the former President lacked the moral authority to comment on corruption and governance. Onanuga pointed to Obasanjo’s tenure, including the widely criticized 2007 elections, as evidence of his questionable leadership.

 

“It is ironic for someone who oversaw one of Nigeria’s most fraudulent elections to call for the removal of INEC leadership,” Onanuga said. He also highlighted Obasanjo’s failed third-term agenda, which reportedly cost the nation billions of naira, as another instance of political impropriety.

 

A Look Back at Obasanjo’s Tenure

 

The Presidency laid out a series of allegations and missteps during Obasanjo’s administration, including:

 

-Corruption Scandals:Notable cases such as the Halliburton bribery scandal and misuse of Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) funds were cited.

– Economic Mismanagement: Critics accused Obasanjo of hastily repaying $15 billion in Paris Club debt while neglecting vital infrastructure projects.

– Privatization Controversies: The sale of national assets like ALSCON was criticized as favoring cronies and failing to provide value to the country.

– Power Sector Failures:Despite spending $16 billion on electricity projects, the nation remained plagued by power shortages.

 

The Presidency also blamed Obasanjo’s leadership for fostering insecurity, citing the emergence of militancy and kidnapping under his watch.

 

Obasanjo’s Mixed Legacy

 

The administration accused Obasanjo of undermining successive governments while failing to reflect on his own leadership flaws. “If Obasanjo had tackled these issues during his presidency, his successors would have inherited a less burdened nation,” Onanuga argued.

 

The Presidency also drew parallels to Chinua Achebe, the Nigerian literary icon whose forum Obasanjo used as a platform. Achebe had famously rejected a national honor from Obasanjo’s government, citing corruption and poor governance as reasons for his protest.

 

Call for Constructive Dialogue

 

Bala Ibrahim, National Publicity Director of the All Progressives Congress (APC), urged Obasanjo to address his concerns through the National Council of State, where he remains a member. “National issues should be debated constructively, not through public platforms that promote grandstanding,” Ibrahim stated.

 

A Nation Divided

 

The clash between the Presidency and Obasanjo highlights the polarized state of Nigeria’s political discourse. While opposition parties rally behind Obasanjo’s demands for reforms, the government continues to defend its record, casting doubt on the former leader’s credibility.

 

As Nigeria grapples with pressing challenges, the debate underscores the difficulty of addressing systemic issues while contending with legacies of the past.