Obasanjo urges lawmakers to remain unwavering, pursue reforms in Nigeria

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the lawmaker representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency of Imo State, alongside five of his colleagues from the National Assembly, to remain unwavering in their pursuit of a reformed Nigeria.

Obasanjo stressed the need for the lawmakers to focus their efforts on enacting legislation that will improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians, while ensuring that the country is governed with transparency and efficiency.

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Obasanjo delivered this charge on Friday when he hosted the lawmakers, led by Hon. Ugochinyere, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The delegation also included Hon. Abdulmalik Danga of Adavi/Okehi, Dr. Usman Midala of Askira-Uba/Hawul, Hon. Peter Aniekwe of Anambra East/West, and Kama Nkemkanma of Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituencies.

Before the meeting transitioned into a private session, the former President expressed his concern over the current economic hardship in the country. He argued that Nigeria requires a “moral rearmament” to overcome the socio-economic challenges it faces, emphasising that true progress cannot be achieved without significant changes in governance practices.

Obasanjo pointed out that proposals such as a single term for the President, holding all elections on a single day, and rotating power between the North and South, can only succeed if leaders of integrity and uprightness emerge. He maintained that Nigeria will only move forward when individuals with strong moral character occupy leadership positions, asserting that the number of terms in office would only matter if the right people are in charge.

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The former President further argued that it is not merely a matter of changing the system but rethinking democracy itself. He suggested that the Western model of Liberal Democracy might not be suitable for Africa, advocating instead for a system that aligns with Africa’s tradition of consensus-building.

He stressed that if Nigeria gets its leadership right, the country could overcome its challenges within a few years and lay a solid foundation for lasting progress.

In response, Hon. Ugochinyere said the delegation had come to Abeokuta to consult with Obasanjo on a range of national issues and to express their solidarity with the former President. Ugochinyere praised Obasanjo for his visionary leadership during his presidency, particularly the foundational reforms he implemented between 1999 and 2007, which, he said, set Nigeria on a path to progress. He lamented that subsequent governments had failed to build on these reforms, which he argued has contributed to the economic difficulties the country now faces.

Ugochinyere informed Obasanjo that the lawmakers were co-sponsoring bills aimed at introducing a single six-year term for presidents and governors, mandating power rotation between the North and South, and setting a single day for all elections. He emphasised that these reforms are crucial for eradicating the bandwagon effect and ensuring equitable governance.

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Hon. Abdulmalik Danga, representing Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency in Kogi State, also addressed the former President, urging support for constitutional amendments that would ensure power rotation within the three senatorial districts of each state. Danga argued that such a measure would help reduce marginalisation and address ethnic grievances, which are prevalent in several states, including Kogi.

The meeting concluded with the lawmakers reaffirming their commitment to advancing a more equitable and progressive Nigeria, guided by the insights and experience of former President Obasanjo.