Former President Criticizes Nigeria’s Current State under President Bola Tinubu

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has delivered a strong critique of Nigeria’s current state under President Bola Tinubu, describing the country as a “failing state” marked by deep corruption and ineffective leadership. Speaking at Yale University’s Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum, Obasanjo highlighted Nigeria’s challenges during his keynote lecture titled Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria....CONTINUE READING>>>

In his speech, Obasanjo pointed to widespread division, insecurity, and underdevelopment as symptoms of poor governance, using nicknames like “Baba-go-slow” and “Emilokan” to illustrate Tinubu’s ineffective leadership. He cited Nigeria’s escalating issues as consequences of unchecked corruption, mediocrity, and a lack of accountability. “Every honest person can see the dire situation of the country,” he said.

Referencing Chinua Achebe’s 1983 essay, The Trouble with Nigeria, Obasanjo reaffirmed that the nation’s problems stem from leadership failures rather than cultural or environmental causes. He described “state capture”—where influential groups manipulate public resources and policies for personal gain—as a significant problem in Nigeria, affecting everything from the valuation of national assets to policy-making.

Obasanjo denounced practices such as vote-buying, nepotism, and lobbying that prioritize private interests over the public good, warning of long-term damage to infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic growth. However, he expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing that with responsible leadership, meaningful change is possible.

In addition to his criticism, Obasanjo paid tribute to Chinua Achebe, praising him as a distinguished Nigerian whose legacy continues to inspire.