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Nationwide Protest: Obasanjo Issues Stark Warning to President Tinubu
In recent developments in Nigerian politics, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a compelling warning to the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This warning comes in the wake of growing nationwide protests led by the country's youth, who are demanding urgent reforms in governance, better economic opportunities, and an end to pervasive corruption. Obasanjo's statements were made during a significant meeting with key members of the House of Representatives at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The dialogue sheds light on the escalating political and social climate in Nigeria and offers a critical perspective on the nation's governance issues.
On a notable Friday, former President Olusegun Obasanjo hosted a delegation of six House of Representatives members, headed by Honorable Ikenga Ugochinyere. The meeting underscored the mounting frustration among Nigerian youths and the urgent need for the Federal Government to address their grievances. Obasanjo expressed his deep concern over the widespread discontent, emphasizing that the youth's demands for improved governance and economic opportunities cannot be ignored without severe repercussions.
Obasanjo pointed out that the prevailing conditions of poverty and unemployment among Nigerian youths are unacceptable, given that every citizen is equally entitled to the country's wealth and opportunities. He remarked, “You are what you are today because you’re a Nigerian; I’m what I am also because I’m a Nigerian. So why should they be Nigerians and be languishing in poverty?” His statement encapsulates the gravity of the situation, highlighting the disparities and the need for immediate action.
Obasanjo's Call for Change in Governance
During the meeting, Obasanjo emphasized that the current governance mentality needs a radical overhaul. He argued that the nation’s progress hinges on the ability to respond effectively to the youth’s demands. He criticized the lack of responsiveness from the government, noting that frustration, desperation, and anger among the youth are inevitable outcomes if their concerns continue to be overlooked.
The former President also discussed the necessity of a shift in the governing mentality, stressing that reforms must be more than superficial. He highlighted that Nigeria’s future depends on how well its leaders address the underlying issues driving the current unrest. His warning was clear: if the government fails to act decisively, the consequences could be dire.
The meeting also covered a proposed legislative bill advocating for a single six-year term for the presidency, with rotation between the Northern and Southern regions of Nigeria. Obasanjo addressed this proposal, suggesting that the core issue is not the duration of the presidential term but the mindset of those in power. He commented, “For me, the issue is for us to get it right. Whether we have one term of six years or two terms of four years; where it’ll work is our mentality.”
Obasanjo’s critique underscores a broader concern about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s political system. He argued that regardless of the term length, a poorly governed system will yield similar negative outcomes. His emphasis was on creating a trustworthy and reliable electoral system, suggesting that a well-functioning Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could mitigate many problems.
Support for the Single Six-Year Term
Honorable Ikenga Ugochinyere, who led the delegation, expressed strong support for the proposed single six-year term. He argued that such a term could provide stability and continuity in leadership, allowing the President to focus on long-term goals without the distraction of reelection campaigns. Ugochinyere also advocated for a rotational governance mechanism between the North and the South, which he believes would ensure equitable representation and address regional imbalances.
Other lawmakers who joined Ugochinyere included Hon. Abdulmalik Danga, Hon. Midala Malami, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, and Hon. Kama Nkemkama. Their presence at the meeting underscores the bipartisan interest in exploring new governance models and addressing the systemic issues that have led to widespread public dissatisfaction.
The recent meeting between Olusegun Obasanjo and the House of Representatives members highlights a critical juncture in Nigerian politics. Obasanjo's warning to President Tinubu and the proposed legislative changes reflect the urgent need for reform in response to the youth’s demands. As Nigeria grapples with political instability, economic challenges, and social unrest, the proposed changes and the broader call for a shift in governance mentality offer a potential pathway towards addressing the nation's deep-seated issues. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these calls for reform will translate into meaningful action and progress for Nigeria.
Original article:
Nationwide Protest : Obasanjo Warns President Tinubu | #Politicsnigeria Details have emerged from the meeting between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and six members of the House of Representatives, led by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Obasanjo warned the Federal Government to listen to the concerns of Nigerian youths, whose nationwide protests have been sparked by demands for better governance, economic opportunities, and an end to corruption. The former President cautioned that failure to address the youths’ demands could lead to dire consequences, given their frustration, desperation, anger, and unemployment. “You are what you are today because you’re a Nigerian; I’m what I am also because I’m a Nigerian. So why should they be Nigerians and be languishing in poverty? “They make demands and we’re not listening to them. Many of them are frustrated, desperate, angry and unemployed. What do we expect?,” he queried. Obasanjo also emphasized the need for a change in mentality among those in governance, stressing that Nigeria’s progress depends on its ability to address the youths’ demands. The meeting, which took place on Friday, also discussed a bill seeking a single six-year term for the presidency and rotation between the North and the South. On the issue of a single six-year term, Obasanjo said, “For me, the issue is for us to get it right. Whether we have one term of six years or two terms of four years; where it’ll work is our mentality. “We have to decarbonise our brain. If you give a person one single term of six years, he will do the same harm he could have done in two terms of four years. “If you have a system you can trust; you have an INEC you can trust, then it will not matter the number of years.” Meanwhile, Mr Ugochinyere said that the country should move toward adopting a single six-year term for president. He also called for a rotational mechanism for governance between the North and the South. Other lawmakers who accompanied Ugochinyere on the visit were Hon. Abdulmalik Danga, Hon. Midala Malami, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, and Hon. Kama Nkemkama.
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