The Nigerian Presidency has launched a scathing attack on former President Olusegun Obasanjo, attributing the current state of the country’s democracy to his legacy.
Addressing the media on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Advisor on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, asserted that Obasanjo played a pivotal role in shaping the current democratic landscape in Nigeria.
Onanuga highlighted Obasanjo’s influence during his two tenures as president, first as a civilian leader from 1999 to 2007, and later as a military head of state from 1976 to 1979.
“Obasanjo should acknowledge that he introduced this system to Nigeria. He was instrumental in its adoption in 1979. It seems hypocritical for him to have perceived it as unsuitable and costly during his eight-year governance, even attempting to extend his tenure for another four years,” remarked Onanuga, alluding to Obasanjo’s post-presidential stance.
The Presidency’s reproach is in response to Obasanjo’s address at the high-level consultation on rethinking Western liberal democracy in Africa, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library’s Green Resort Legacy in Abeokuta.
In his remarks, Obasanjo criticized Western democracy, contending that it has not significantly contributed to the development and effective governance of Africa.
Emphasizing the Western model’s disregard for the intricacies and rich history of Africa, he advocated for a thorough review and adaptation of democracy to better align with the needs of African nations.
Obasanjo proposed the concept of an “Afro democracy” tailored to the specific requirements of the continent.
Highlighting the weaknesses of Western liberal democracy, he characterized it as a “system in which a select few govern the entire population, representing only certain segments of the populace rather than the entirety.”
He asserted that the majority of people are consistently marginalized, whether intentionally or inadvertently.
