LAGOS (CHATNEWSTV) — Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the administration of President Bola Tinubu for approving N15.6 trillion for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, calling it a “wasteful endeavor” and a “conduit for looting public funds.”
Obasanjo also condemned the government’s decision to spend N21 billion on a new official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima, describing it as a “misplaced priority” at a time when Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship.
The former president made these remarks in chapter six of his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, which was launched as part of events marking his 88th birthday last week, according to Punch newspaper.
Assessing Tinubu’s two years in office, Obasanjo expressed concerns that the administration is continuing a pattern of governance that prioritizes self-interest over the welfare of Nigeria’s 230 million citizens.
“Everything is said to be transactional, and the slogan is ‘It is my turn to chop,’” Obasanjo wrote. “The majority of those in leadership positions are ill-prepared, self-centered, and determined to corruptly enrich themselves while the nation suffers from abject poverty and underdevelopment.”
He also accused state governors of diverting public funds for personal gain.
“How do you explain the situation of a governor who owed banks billions of naira before assuming office, yet within two years had cleared all debts without his company conducting any business?” Obasanjo wrote. “State resources are captured and appropriated for personal use while only a pittance is given to staff and associates to silence opposition.”
Obasanjo further denounced leaders who, he claimed, engage in deception and cover-ups regarding contracts, borrowings, and forward sales of national assets.
“Typical examples of waste, corruption, and misplaced priorities are the murky Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the Vice President’s official residence built at N21 billion in the middle of economic hardship,” he stated. “What small minds!”
The Tinubu administration has not yet responded to Obasanjo’s criticisms.
