Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a stark warning that Nigeria is teetering on the edge of a potential crisis, describing the nation as “sitting on a keg of gunpowder” that could explode if the right steps are not taken urgently. Obasanjo made this remark on Friday while hosting six members of the National Assembly at his residence in Abeokuta.
Addressing the lawmakers, Obasanjo emphasized that Nigeria’s progress is hinged on both leaders and citizens embracing what he termed as “moral rearmament.” He expressed deep concern over the state of the nation, particularly the frustrations of the youth, whose recent protests have shaken the country.
“As I have warned earlier, we should recognise that we are all sitting on a powder keg if we fail to begin doing the right thing,” Obasanjo cautioned. “For instance, what the youths are demanding is very legitimate and should be listened to. Why should they be denied what rightfully belongs to them?”
Obasanjo further questioned the continued marginalization of the youth, pointing out the irony of a nation rich in resources yet unable to meet the basic needs of its citizens. “You are what you are today because you’re a Nigerian; I’m what I am also because I’m a Nigerian. So why should they be Nigerians and be languishing in poverty? They make demands, and we’re not listening to them. Many of them are frustrated, desperate, angry, and unemployed. What do we expect?” he queried.
The former president argued that for Nigeria to achieve its full potential, a collective effort is required, coupled with a change in mentality. He dismissed ongoing debates about whether the country should adopt a single six-year term or maintain the current system, arguing that the mindset of those in power is the real issue.
“If the mentality of the people in governance does not change, then Nigeria will remain where it is,” Obasanjo asserted. “We have to decarbonize our brain. If you give a person one single term of six years, he will do the same harm he could have done in two terms of four years. If you have a system you can trust, if you have an INEC you can trust, then it will not matter the number of years.”
Earlier in the meeting, Ikenga Ugochinyere, who led the delegation of lawmakers, echoed the need for systemic change. Ugochinyere advocated for a single six-year term for the presidency and suggested that power should rotate between the North and the South to ensure balanced governance.
“The country should move toward adopting a single six-year term for the president, with a rotational mechanism between the North and the South. State governments should also rotate governance among the three senatorial districts,” Ugochinyere proposed.
The bill seeking to implement these changes is co-sponsored by Ugochinyere and five other lawmakers who accompanied him to Obasanjo’s residence. These lawmakers include Abdulmalik Danga (Kogi), Midala Malami (Borno), Matthew Nwogu (Imo), Peter Aniekwe (Anambra), and Kama Nkemkama (Ebonyi). Ugochinyere concluded by calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s laws to reflect these proposed changes.
