Nigeria Sitting on Keg of Gunpowder, Obasanjo Warns

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo issued a stark warning on Friday, asserting that Nigeria is teetering on the brink of a crisis and must urgently embrace what he termed “moral rearmament” to avoid disaster. In his address, Obasanjo described the country as being on a "keg of gunpowder" that could explode if decisive actions are not taken to address its pervasive issues. He criticized Nigeria’s current trajectory, likening it to a nation that makes minimal progress, often moving backward despite its efforts. Obasanjo, speaking at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, made these remarks during a meeting with six members of the House of Representatives. The lawmakers were sponsors of bills proposing significant changes, including a single six-year presidential term, rotation of the presidency between the North and South, and rotation of governorship slots among senatorial districts. The legislators present were Abdulmalik Danga from Kogi, Dr Usman Midala from Borno, Matthew Nwogu from Imo, Peter Aniekwe from Anambra, Kama Nkemkanma from Ebonyi, and Ugochinyere Ikenga from Imo. Obasanjo lamented the failure of successive governments to build on the foundations laid during his tenure, resulting in substantial setbacks.

Obasanjo remarked, “We are all sitting on a powder keg if we fail to begin doing the right thing. The demands of the youth are legitimate and should be addressed. They are frustrated, hungry, angry, unemployed, and deserve to be heard.” He emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in both mindset and governance, saying, “It’s not just about changing the system; we must reform our thinking and character. We need to build on what was established rather than dismantling it.” The former president proposed that if Nigeria could align its leadership and team effectively, significant progress could be made within two and a half years, laying a solid foundation in ten years and achieving substantial growth in twenty-five years. However, he criticized the tendency for progress to be undone, resulting in a cycle of steps forward and backward.

Obasanjo also touched upon the need for rethinking the approach to opposition in governance, suggesting that the current system, where opposition is often sidelined or perceived as enemies, is detrimental to progress. He called for a more inclusive approach where all stakeholders work together for societal advancement. In his concluding remarks, Obasanjo emphasized the urgent need for change, both in governance structures and personal character, stating that many in government should face severe consequences if they do not act in the nation’s best interests.