Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that numerous leaders across Nigeria and other African nations deserve incarceration or even the death penalty.
On Friday, August 9, during a meeting with six federal lawmakers at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Obasanjo expressed his views.
He criticized the existing political mentality, saying: “Our main problem is ourselves. Whether we adopt a single six-year term or two four-year terms, if we persist with the same mentality and approach, nothing will change.”
His comments were directed at the lawmakers who had co-sponsored bills proposing a six-year term and regional rotation for Nigeria’s presidency.
Obasanjo continued: “The real issue is ourselves. Yes, the system needs rethinking, but the character of people in government must change. With all due respect, many in government should currently be behind bars or on the gallows.”
Expanding on African politics, Obasanjo underscored the necessity of re-evaluating liberal democracy to ensure more inclusive practices.
He remarked: “For me, it is not just about the system; we may need to rethink our liberal democracy. In Africa, we often speak of a loyal opposition, but what actually happens is that a consensus is reached, leaving no room for genuine opposition; everyone aligns and moves together.”
He further explained: “In many African languages, the term for opposition translates to ‘enemies.’ What do you do with loyal enemies? Once you assume power, you claim everything, leaving the opposition in obscurity. This approach is counterproductive. We need to unite to advance society.”
