Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has taken a fiery swipe at Nigeria’s political elite, accusing them of using public office as a cash cow for personal enrichment while leaving the country in a worse state than they found it.
In his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo exposes the deep-rooted corruption among top officials—from governors to presidents, ministers, and commissioners—branding many as ill-prepared, selfish, and “satanic” in their pursuit of wealth.
The Big Looting Game
- How do you explain a governor owing billions before election, then clearing all debts within two years—without running any business?
- State resources are captured and shared among cronies, while staff and whistleblowers get hush money.
- Some leaders deceive and lie to cover up shady contracts, illegal borrowings, and forward sales of national assets.
Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road: A Wasteful, Corrupt Project?
Obasanjo didn’t hold back on the controversial N15.6tn Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, calling it a reckless waste of public funds. He questioned why the N4.93bn/km contract was awarded without competitive bidding to Hitech Construction, a company linked to President Tinubu’s close associate, Gilbert Chagoury.
Similarly, he criticized the N21bn spent on a new Vice-President’s residence, calling it a shameful display of corruption at a time when Nigerians are struggling economically.
“It’s My Turn to Chop” – Nigeria’s Leadership Mentality?
Assessing President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Obasanjo warned that corruption and misplaced priorities will persist if the current political mindset remains unchanged.
The slogan now is, ‘It’s my turn to chop.’ Everything is transactional.
Instead of fixing real issues, billions are being wasted on pet projects and political favors.
A Call for ‘Afrodemocracy’
Obasanjo argues that Western liberal democracy is failing Nigeria and proposes a new system called “Afrodemocracy”, one that reflects African values, history, and governance styles instead of copying foreign models blindly.
If the West is already complaining about its democracy, why are we still forcing it on ourselves?
We need a system that works for Africa, not just imported ideas that don’t fit our realities.
As Nigeria battles corruption, economic hardship, and governance failures, Obasanjo’s explosive revelations raise a crucial question: Will the country ever break free from the cycle of bad leadership?
