A former Nigerian president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, had stirred the hornet nest with his statement that the country was drifting to a failed and badly divided state.
Obasanjo stated this during a consultative meeting with the leadership of socio-cultural organizations last week in response to the multi-faceted challenges bedeviling the country.
Obasanjo’s diminishing value as a statesman
What Nigerians think of Obasanjo’s ‘failed state’ comment and Presidency’s reaction
Since the time he left office to date, in his usual characteristic, he has been chiding every government in power including those he helped to install.
One remembers with nostalgia his scant open letters to previous head of states drawing their attention on matters of national importance.
Did his criticisms start with the civilians governments?
Actually, no; even the military, the constituency Obansanjo came from has not been spared.
From Ibrahim Babangida down to Abdulsalami military regime; they had enough of barrage or torrent of criticisms during their days in office.
Is Obasanjo constructive or destructive criticisms borne out of passion for better Nigeria or are they politically motivated?
Obasanjo is one of the beneficiaries of the Nigerian project.
He served as military head of state and occupied the same position during the return of democratic government in 1999.
It is not disputable to say that Obasanjo’s years as Nigerian president have been eventful and fruitful.
He was able to carry out far-reaching economic reforms which stimulated growth and development.
Think about the telecommunication, public service and agricultural reforms.
These areas received greater attention and have provided millions of jobs to Nigerians.
While enumerating or pointing his achievements, lays his shortcomings.
It is on record, during his eight years as democratically elected president that the country witnessed human right abuses.
The mysterious killing of Bola Ige remains fresh in the minds of Nigerians.
There were incidences of violence during elections.
This is to say that Obasanjo is not saint as he wants us to believe.
The problem Obasanjo raised such as: divisiveness in politics or Nigeria is a failed state predated the present government.
However, it got worse under its watch.
The occasion or venue in which Obasanjo raised these vexed national issues gave his narratives political undertones.
How can a former president in the midst of social cultural organisations such as Ohaneze, Afenifere,Northern Elders Forum and Middle Belt Forum blame the present government for the current woes if not for political reason.
Obasanjo should have personally reached out to President Buhari for an advice instead of unwarranted attacks on his government.
Of course, there is time for politics and there is time to avoid overheating the polity.
It seems the former president has chosen the latter.
Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, writes from Kaduna
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