Former President Olusegun Obasanjo criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration on Thursday, accusing it of failing to provide security for Nigerians. In an interview with News Central, Obasanjo warned that a government unable to protect the lives and property of its citizens “has no right to exist.”
Obasanjo’s comments came amid a surge in violent incidents across Nigeria, including numerous killings and a series of high‑profile kidnappings. The former head of state linked the persistent insecurity to a broader governance problem, asserting that the current administration “cannot give security of life and property of its citizen.”
He also addressed the issue of parliamentary remuneration, stating that elected members of the National Assembly lack the constitutional authority to set their own salaries and allowances. “It is not in our constitution for them to do that,” Obasanjo said. “The Revenue Mobilisation and Allocation Commission should handle that.”
The ex‑president’s remarks underscore growing public frustration with insecurity, which has been a defining challenge for Tinubu’s government since it took office in May 2023. Analysts note that the escalation of banditry, communal clashes and kidnapping has strained Nigeria’s security forces and prompted calls for reforms. Tinubu’s administration has responded by deploying additional troops and launching several joint operations, but critics argue that a coordinated national strategy remains lacking.
Obasanjo’s intervention adds a prominent voice to the debate over Nigeria’s security apparatus and the broader accountability of public officials. As the country continues to grapple with violent crime, the government’s next steps on security policy and institutional reforms will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.
