Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly criticized the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, calling it a wasteful and corrupt initiative. He also condemned the Bola Tinubu administration for approving N21 billion to build a new residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Obasanjo made these comments in his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, which he launched during his 88th birthday celebration last week.
According to Punch, Obasanjo accused the government of prioritizing personal gain over national development. He described the leadership style as “transactional governance,” where politicians see public funds as their personal wealth. He claimed that government officials use state resources for themselves while giving small amounts to their associates to prevent whistleblowing.
He pointed to the Lagos-Calabar highway as an example of wasteful spending and corruption, accusing President Tinubu of ignoring public criticism about the project.
“Typical examples of waste, corruption, and misplaced priority are the murky Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road on which the President had turned deaf ears to protests and the new Vice-President’s official residence built at a cost of N21bn in the time of economic hardship.”
Obasanjo also criticized many Nigerian politicians, including presidents, governors, and ministers, for being unprepared for leadership. He said many leaders are only interested in enriching themselves and their associates, leaving the country in a worse state.
The former president also repeated his belief that Western-style democracy may not be the best system for Africa. He suggested that the continent should develop a unique form of democracy that considers African history and culture. He called this concept Afrodemocracy.
“We should seek democracy within African history, culture, attributes, and characteristics.”
Obasanjo’s statements have sparked discussions about government spending, corruption, and the best political system for Africa. Do you agree with his views? Share your thoughts in the comments!
