Former President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria delivered a stark critique of the country’s leadership, arguing that many of those in power are unfit to govern.
During a meeting with six members of the House of Representatives, Obasanjo did not hold back in his assessment of the nation’s state, suggesting that most of Nigeria’s leaders belong behind bars or even on the gallows, rather than in positions of authority.
Obasanjo emphasized that Nigeria’s persistent struggles are deeply rooted in the character and mentality of its leaders. He urged that in order to elect good leaders, the focus must be on the character of those seeking office.
According to Obasanjo, without a shift in mindset among those in power, the country will continue to face the same challenges, regardless of the length or nature of their terms in office.
He said; “Our main problem is ourselves and until we take care of ourselves, we may have one term of four years, one term of six years, one term of seven years, if it’s the same people and same mentality and way we do things, then it won’t change.
“Yes system, yes democracy, we have to rethink democracy, we have to rethink the form of government, but what is 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.
“Now if these are the people that are ruling us, then what do you expect? So, the point is the character of the people that are coming to the government. Their attributes, the sort of people they truly are.
“We need to really think about how we select leaders, what should be the character of a leader we select? What should be their track record?
“Where should we find them? Are they role models? And I think those are the first things we have to think about,” he stated.
