Obasanjo Says Government That Fails To Protect Citizens “Shouldn’t Exist”

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has delivered a strong critique of Nigeria’s leadership and security situation, declaring that any government unable to protect lives and property has no justification to remain in power. Speaking during an interview on Soni Irabor Live, he linked the country’s deepening insecurity and broader national challenges to poor governance and a decline in leadership quality.

Obasanjo lamented that Nigeria has lost its influence on the global stage, noting that the country is no longer “at the table” in international politics and has failed to shape events beyond its borders.

Addressing insecurity, he warned against normalising kidnapping and violence, recalling a time when Nigerians could travel freely across the country. “And the first responsibility of any government, no matter how that government comes into being, is the security of life and property.

A government that cannot give security of life and property to its citizens has forfeited the right of existence,” he stated. He traced the roots of the crisis to post-civil war arms proliferation, compounded by poor governance, the return of armed fighters from Libya, and the politicisation of violence. He also raised concerns about the growing number of out-of-school children, estimated at 20 million, describing it as a long-term security threat.

Obasanjo further criticised Nigeria’s handling of regional diplomacy, particularly under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership in ECOWAS, arguing that the response to the Niger Republic coup damaged decades of cooperation. He said actions such as border closures and cutting electricity supply reflected poor strategic judgment.

“Look at the way we have handled ECOWAS. Something that took us 50 years to build. Overnight, we mishandled it. And we have virtually destroyed it,” he said, adding that Nigeria’s influence in the region has significantly declined.

On governance and institutions, the former president dismissed the National Council of State as ineffective, describing participation in its meetings as a waste of time since its recommendations are rarely implemented. He also reiterated his stance that NNPC-owned refineries will not function efficiently due to structural issues, corruption, and poor maintenance, insisting, “NNPC has refineries.

And I said to people that it will never work.” He contrasted this with successful public-private partnerships like NLNG and criticised the billions spent on refinery rehabilitation with little result.

Obasanjo also warned against the emergence of a one-party state, noting that it would harm Nigeria’s democracy and development, even as he acknowledged assurances from the current administration. “He (Tinubu) said he will not want to see a one-party state in Nigeria… It will be a pity.

Because it will not even serve its own purpose,” he said. Despite his criticisms, he expressed cautious optimism that Nigeria can recover, stressing that meaningful progress will depend on improved leadership and a shift in governance approach.