Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has harshly criticized President Bola Ahmed

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has harshly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration regarding the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, labeling it as both wasteful and corrupt.
Not a valid attachment ID.
He expressed concern over the allocation of N21 billion for a new official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima, characterizing this expenditure as a sign of misguided priorities and a potential means of misappropriating public funds.

These criticisms were articulated in Obasanjo's latest book, "Nigeria: Past and Future," which was launched during the celebrations for his 88th birthday last week.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, previously remarked that the cost for the 700 km highway is estimated at N4.93 billion per kilometer, with the government having already disbursed N1.06 trillion for the initial phase, which constitutes just 6% of the total project.

Prominent figures, including 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, have raised eyebrows over the decision to award the contract to Gilbert Chagoury's Hitech Construction Company without a competitive bidding process. Chagoury is known to have longstanding ties to President Tinubu.

While reflecting on Tinubu's two years in power, Obasanjo warned that the exploitation of ordinary Nigerians is likely to persist, noting that "everything is said to be transactional, and the motto seems to be 'It is my turn to chop.'"

He expressed dismay at the lack of preparedness, self-interest, and the short-sightedness he sees in many of Nigeria's leaders, who prioritize personal enrichment while the nation grapples with poverty and underdevelopment.

According to Obasanjo, many individuals vying for political positions aim to secure substantial loans, presuming they can repay these debts with public funds once elected.

He questioned, "How do you explain the situation of a chief executive, a governor, whose businesses were indebted to banks for billions of naira and millions of dollars prior to taking office, only to clear these debts within two years while his business portfolio remained stagnant?"

Obasanjo noted, "You can only wonder where the funds originated. After successfully navigating the first term, he then claimed nearly half of the state's resources in his second term. This scenario is emblematic of the pervasive issues in leadership across the nation, with only a handful of exceptions."

"State resources are often seized and misappropriated, leaving only a minimal amount for staff and associates to silence anyone who might dare to whistleblow or raise concerns—both during and after their tenure in office.

He remarked, "The truly absurd cases are those chief executives who resort to deceit and manipulation, attempting to obscure the truth about their actions, whether in awarding contracts, entering agreements, or handling national assets through borrowings and forward sales. These leaders are simply unqualified for their roles.

"Clear instances of waste, corruption, and misguided priorities can be seen in projects like the controversial Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, which has seen protests ignored by the President, and the Vice-President's official residence, constructed at the exorbitant cost of N21 billion amid economic hardship. Such actions are merely attempts to display an image of progress and emphasize the significance of the Vice-Presidency. It's a reflection of small-mindedness!

"Many who aspire to leadership seem primarily motivated by the desire to enrich themselves and their allies, driving the nation further into hardship," Obasanjo pointed out.

The former president reiterated his long-held view that western liberal democracy might not suit Africa.

"We should explore a form of democracy that aligns with Africa's unique history, culture, and characteristics—one that takes into account essential African factors. Until we find a better term, let's call it Afrodemocracy," he commented.

For more updates, follow 👉 Oloke Meji RadioTv Abiodun Adekunle Akanbioro Presenter, and check out our backup page!"

[attachment deleted by admin]