Obasanjo: Most Nigerian Leaders Belong in Jail or Gallow

Obasanjo: Most Nigerian Leaders Belong in Jail or Gallow

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Friday, voiced his strong disapproval of the country’s current leadership, stating that the majority of its leaders deserve to be in prison or even on the gallows, rather than holding public office.

Obasanjo made these remarks while addressing a delegation of six lawmakers from the House of Representatives. He emphasized that character should be a critical factor when selecting leaders, asserting that Nigeria will not see the desired change until its leaders change their mindset.

“Our main problem is ourselves,” Obasanjo stated. “Unless we address this, we might have one-term governments of four, six, or seven years, but if the same people with the same mentality and approach remain in power, nothing will change.”

He further questioned the integrity of those in government, suggesting that many current leaders should be held accountable for their actions.

“Yes, we must rethink our system and our democracy, but more importantly, we must scrutinize the character of those in government,” he said. “With all due respect, most of them should be behind bars; some even deserve the gallows. That’s the truth.”

Obasanjo urged a re-evaluation of the qualities expected of leaders, questioning their track records and whether they serve as positive role models. He called for a thorough reassessment of how leaders are selected and the criteria by which they are judged.

The lawmakers in attendance included 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.