Obasanjo and failed state narratives

The former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, had stirred the hornets’ nest with his provoking, divisive and failed state narratives.

Obasanjo stated this during a consultative meeting with the leadership of socio-cultural organisations last week in response to the multi-facet challenges bedevilling the country.

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Since the time he left office to date, in his usual characteristic manner, he has been chiding every government in power including those he helped to install.

One remembers with nostalgia his scant open letters to previous heads of state drawing their attention to matters of national importance.

Did his criticisms start with the civilian governments?

Actually, no. Even the military, the constituency Obasanjo came from, has not been spared.

From Ibrahim Babangida down to Abdulsalami military regimes, they have had a barrage or torrent of criticisms during their days in office.

Are Obasanjo’s constructive or destructive criticisms borne out of passion for a better Nigeria or are politically motivated?

Obasanjo is one of the beneficiaries of 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, 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 services and agriculture reforms.

These areas received greater attentions and have provided millions of jobs for Nigerians.

While enumerating or pointing out his achievements, his shortcomings also wait by the side.

It is on record, during his eight years as democratically elected president, that the country witnessed human right abuses and high cases of assassination.

The mysterious killing of Bola Ige remains fresh in the minds of Nigerians.

There were incidences of violence during elections.

He was also an architect of do or die politics.

These glaring established imperfections spoke volumes about Obasanjo’s misgivings.

This is to say, Obasanjo is not a saint as he wants us to believe.

The issues Obasanjo had 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 a political undertone.

How can the former president in the mist of social cultural organisations such as Ohaneze, Afenifere, Northern Elders Forum and Middle Belt Borum blame the present government for the current woes if not for political reason ?

Ok, hear his conclusion: “2023 will be marked as a watershed in the history of Nigeria.”

The phrase says something differently.

While it is true that the country has been facing security and economy challenges, the former president has unfettered access to Mr President. Obasanjo should have personally reached President Buhari for 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 is not conscious of this fact.

Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua, Kaduna State [email protected]