Nigeria must move from think-tank to do-tank, says Obasanjo

Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has said the next President must swiftly address the country’s security challenges, including banditry, and kidnapping and must move beyond think-tank.

Obasanjo said that no one will invest in a country plagued by insecurity and stability.

Obasanjo spoke on Thursday evening at a virtual engagement organised by Africa Leadership Group (ALG) with the theme; Leadership and Nation Building. The engagement was hosted by the head pastor of Trinity House Church, Ituah Ighodalo.

Obasanjo said that Nigeria is at a critical moment and needs a leader who is critically and clinically sound with the right character, skills, attitude and attributes to turn things around.

In his words: “We must go beyond talk and think-tank and move to do-tank. When we see what is bad collectively, let us have the conscience and courage to do something, but if you don’t stand up, then you’re an accomplice. The time to embark on leadership and the national building is now. I hope the man who will be the next president, will be the type of leader, who will understand the economy, and that’s very important.

“If he understands the economy, there are many he must do including; doing something on fuel subsidy. Also, the country’s debt is not too good, something has to be done.

“The amount of petroleum products being stolen in the country is mind-boggling. The level of corruption in other areas too is mind-boggling. Also, banditry and kidnapping has become the order of the day.

“People won’t invest in a country that is not secured, where travelling by road or train is unsafe. Unless there’s in investment, there won’t be growth in the economy.”

While calling for political education, the Otta-based farmer said “Many Nigerians lack political education. It doesn’t matter if you’re fully educated or have a university degree. Many Nigerians do not have it. We are easily carried away by ethnicity; religion and many other factors.”

He further urged Nigerians to ensure they exercise their civic rights in the forthcoming elections, noting that votes will count.

” For me, I’ll look at anybody that I will vote for critically and clinically.”