Yale University, Connecticut – On Saturday, Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, sharply criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration during a keynote speech at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum held at Yale University. In a hard-hitting address titled, “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” Obasanjo expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s current state, labeling it as a “failing state” sinking deeper into chaos.
Obasanjo did not hold back as he blamed the country’s economic decline on poor leadership, which he described as slow and ineffective. Referring to Tinubu’s administration using the nickname “Baba-Go-Slow” and the slogan “Emilokan” (meaning “It’s my turn” in Yoruba), Obasanjo emphasized that Nigeria’s worsening condition is the result of widespread corruption, mismanagement, and the unwillingness of leaders to take accountability.
In his speech, Obasanjo compared Nigeria’s leadership with that of Singapore, a country he praised for its responsive government and significant investments in healthcare, education, and social welfare. He pointed out that Nigeria’s challenges are exacerbated by corruption and self-serving political elites.
“The situation in Nigeria today is dire,” Obasanjo said. “The nation is plagued by chaos, insecurity, and youth restiveness. The more pervasive the corruption, the deeper we sink into conflict and division.”
Obasanjo warned about the rising issue of state capture in Nigeria, describing it as a form of corruption where powerful individuals and institutions manipulate government policies for their private interests. He stressed that state resources are being sold off at undervalued rates to politically connected elites, undermining national development.
“State capture is not always overt,” Obasanjo explained. “It can manifest subtly through close ties between business and political elites, where national assets are misappropriated and public institutions are compromised.”
Referencing Chinua Achebe’s classic work *The Trouble with Nigeria*, Obasanjo reiterated that the country’s core problem is a failure of leadership. He urged Nigerian leaders to rise to the challenge of setting personal examples of integrity.
Quoting two prominent American scholars, Robert Rotberg and John Campbell, Obasanjo highlighted the potential implications of Nigeria’s decline on the rest of the African continent. He emphasized that effective leadership is essential to reversing the current trend and restoring stability.
Despite his criticisms, Obasanjo concluded on a hopeful note, calling for urgent reforms and stronger governance to steer Nigeria back on the path of development. He urged both local and international efforts to combat corruption and prevent further state capture.
The speech has sparked significant reactions within Nigeria, with many citizens echoing Obasanjo’s concerns on social media, calling for immediate action from the current administration.
