Nigeria’s Failing State Status Confirmed Under ‘Baba-go-slow’ and ‘Emilokan’ –Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lashed out at the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, describing Nigeria’s current state as “failing,” with the signs of decline “glaringly indicated” under his administration. Obasanjo made the comments during a keynote speech at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, USA, on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

In his address, titled ‘Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria’, Obasanjo criticized the state of governance under Tinubu, referring to the president by his nicknames, “Baba-go-slow” and “Emilokan” (a Yoruba phrase meaning “it’s my turn”), suggesting that the country’s leadership has failed to address pressing national issues.

Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s president from 1999 to 2007, painted a bleak picture of the nation’s political and economic environment, citing widespread corruption, insecurity, and underdevelopment. “As the world can see and understand, Nigeria’s situation is bad,” he remarked, adding that the country’s continued descent into chaos, conflict, and division was a direct result of “immorality and corruption.” He attributed this deterioration to the failures of leadership, particularly under Tinubu’s presidency, and labeled the state of Nigeria as a “failing state,” stating that these conditions were “glaringly visible for every honest person to see.”

Drawing on the works of renowned Nigerian author Chinua Achebe, Obasanjo referenced Achebe’s 1983 treatise, The Trouble with Nigeria, which he said accurately described the root causes of Nigeria’s problems: “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” Obasanjo further emphasized that the country’s challenges were not the result of the Nigerian people, the land, or its resources, but the inability of its leaders to rise to the challenges of governance.

Obasanjo also cited the views of international scholars Robert Rotberg and John Campbell, who have warned that Nigeria stands on the brink of becoming a failed state. Rotberg and Campbell argue that the country’s inability to ensure the safety and security of its citizens has placed it at a critical geopolitical crossroads, with implications for Africa’s peace and stability.

A significant portion of Obasanjo’s speech focused on the issue of state capture, a form of corruption where powerful elites manipulate national policies and resources for personal gain. He explained that Nigeria’s political system is rife with this phenomenon, where influential individuals and families acquire national assets at discounted rates, allocate resources unfairly, and shape laws and regulations to benefit themselves or their allies.

Obasanjo described state capture as a major obstacle to national progress, arguing that it prevents the government from serving the public interest. “Public institutions such as the legislature, executive, judiciary, and regulatory agencies at both federal and local levels are subject to capture,” he said. This capture, according to Obasanjo, has led to a breakdown in governance, with public policies tailored to favor specific interest groups at the expense of broader national welfare. He warned that such practices hinder economic development, degrade public services, and undermine the quality of life for ordinary Nigerians.

The former president also expressed admiration for Achebe’s lasting legacy, highlighting the author’s commitment to integrity and moral values throughout his career. Obasanjo noted, “Achebe has been known through his work and values for as long as our nation has existed. He was a great and distinguished Nigerian.”

In conclusion, Obasanjo acknowledged the severity of Nigeria’s challenges but insisted that there remains hope for recovery. He called for a return to true leadership that prioritizes the welfare of the people over personal gain and national interests over partisan politics.