Ex President Obasanjo Says Nigeria Takes 2 Steps Forward, 2 Steps Backward

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has articulated a critical analysis of Nigeria's progress, describing it as a nation that "takes two steps forward and two steps backward."

During a meeting with six lawmakers from the House of Representatives at his Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Obasanjo emphasized that the country can only advance when those in power change their mentality and critically re-examine themselves.

The lawmakers, led by Ugochinyere Ikenga of Ideato North and South Federal Constituency of Imo State, included Abdulmalik Danga (Adavi/Okehi), Usman Midala (Askira-Uba/Hawul), Peter Aniekwe (Anambra East/West), and Kama Nkemkanma (Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo).

They were co-sponsoring bills advocating for a single-term presidency, one-day countrywide elections, and power rotation between the North and South.

Obasanjo noted that these legislative proposals alone were insufficient to set Nigeria on the right path. He stressed the necessity of purposeful leadership and a solid team to drive positive development.

"What I know about Nigeria is that we need to get it right in terms of leadership and the team. The point is that, within two and a half years, we can overcome these challenges," he said.

He warned that Nigeria is "sitting on a keg of gunpowder" that might explode if bold and immediate actions are not taken to address the country's numerous problems.

Obasanjo lamented that despite the potential for progress, the nation often regresses due to systemic issues and the mentality of its leaders.

"In another 10 years, we need to consolidate what we have achieved, and in 25 years, we will be there. Our problem is that we take two steps forward and probably two steps backward, and that won’t get us anywhere," he added.

Obasanjo also highlighted the importance of consensus in the African system, urging all stakeholders to join hands to make things work.

He pointed out that merely changing the length of office terms would not suffice if the same people with the same mentality remained in power. "We have to decarbonize our brains. Our main problem is ourselves. Until we address our own issues, the length of office terms won’t matter," he asserted.

Ikenga praised Obasanjo for the various reforms he implemented during his administration and criticized succeeding governments for not building on his achievements.

He mentioned that if there had been consolidation of electricity reforms, foreign policies, civil service reforms, and digital reforms by successive governments, Nigeria would not be facing its current economic challenges..