• Blames Regionalism, Poor Leadership for Nigeria’s Setbacks
• Says Nigeria Can Still Correct Past Mistakes
Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s inability to fulfill its potential, stating that the country has let down the black race and Africa due to a lack of effective leadership.
He remarked that the global community once looked to Nigeria as a beacon of hope for the black race, but internal divisions, disunity, and subpar leadership have led to its decline.
Speaking on Tuesday at his residence in the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, during a meeting with a delegation from the League of Northern Democrats, led by former Kano State Governor Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, Obasanjo attributed the country’s challenges to the legacy of regionalism practiced before independence.
He noted, “At independence, Nigeria emerged with three leaders, and it has been like three countries in one ever since.”
Despite these concerns, the former president expressed optimism that Nigeria can still turn things around, stating, “As long as we reflect on our past mistakes and correct them, there is hope for the future.”
Obasanjo emphasized the need to prioritize merit over regionalism when selecting leaders. He remarked, “Where you come from shouldn’t be a problem. We must get the best man for the job, no matter his background. The African continent, the black race, and the world are looking to us, but have we lived up to expectations? We have disappointed ourselves, Africa, and the world.”
Obasanjo further shared his pride in being both Yoruba and Nigerian, stressing the importance of national unity: “I am proud to be Yoruba, but being Nigerian should not conflict with that. We must work for the national interest.”
He encouraged the League of Northern Democrats to adopt a more inclusive name, suggesting, “I wish your group would be called the National League of Democrats because where we come from should not divide us.”
In his response, Shekarau explained that the group was formed as a non-partisan body to promote good governance and address national issues, including youth unemployment, education, insecurity, and underdevelopment. He said, “It is unfortunate that despite having 93 million registered voters, we cannot elect credible leaders out of the 11,000 members of the ruling class.”
Shekarau also hinted at the possibility of renaming the group following consultations, in line with Obasanjo’s advice, to give it a more national outlook.
