Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo criticized the failure of Western liberal democracy in Nigeria, calling current leaders corrupt and self-serving. In his book, “Nigeria: Past and Future,” he highlighted the misuse of public funds and proposed an alternative governance model, Afrodemocracy, tailored to Africa’s unique needs.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo asserted that Nigeria should reevaluate its political framework, arguing that “Western liberal democracy” is not effectively serving the nation. He expressed strong discontent with the current leadership, labeling numerous officials as “ill-prepared, satanic, and self-centered.” Obasanjo criticized these leaders for exploiting public office for their own gain, leaving Nigeria in a state of decline.
His comments were made during the unveiling of his book, “Nigeria: Past and Future,” coinciding with his 88th birthday. In this publication, he highlighted that many officials secure substantial loans before taking office, presuming they can repay these debts using public funds. Obasanjo questioned, “How do you explain the situation of a governor who owed billions before election, yet within two years in office, without running any business, he cleared all his debts?”
Obasanjo specifically denounced the policies of President Bola Tinubu, characterizing them as corrupt and wasteful. He criticized the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project as a glaring instance of misallocation of resources. He remarked, “Typical examples of waste and corruption include the murky Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, on which the President has turned deaf ears to protests.”
Moreover, he condemned the recent construction of the Vice President’s residence, costing N21 billion during a time of economic hardship, deeming such decisions indicative of a lack of foresight. To address these systemic issues, Obasanjo proposed a new political framework, coining the term “Afrodemocracy,” which he believes better aligns with Africa’s historical and cultural context. He stated, “If the West, where liberal democracy originated, complains about its flaws, then we should be wise enough to introspect and develop a system that works for Africa.”
In summary, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for a critical reassessment of Nigeria’s political system, asserting that Western liberal democracy is failing the nation. He criticized current leadership for corruption and self-interest while proposing an alternative model named Afrodemocracy, designed to reflect Africa’s distinct circumstances and governance needs. His remarks highlight the urgency for systemic change and better governance in Nigeria.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
