Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has issued a scathing critique of the Nigeria’s worsening security situation, asserting that any government unable to protect its citizens has lost its moral and constitutional legitimacy.
Speaking at a security summit over the weekend, the elder statesman lamented the persistent wave of kidnappings, banditry, and insurgency that continues to plague Africa’s most populous nation. Obasanjo emphasized that the primary responsibility of the state is the safety of its people.
”The first duty of government is the security of lives and property,” Obasanjo told the audience. “A government that can no longer guarantee this basic right has essentially forfeited its right to exist in a democratic setting.”
The former leader, who governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2007, expressed frustration over the perceived lack of political will to tackle the root causes of violence. He noted that the prevailing atmosphere of fear is stifling economic growth and discouraging foreign investment.
”We are living in a period where people are afraid to travel by road, and farmers are scared to go to their fields,” he said. “How can a nation thrive under such a cloud of uncertainty? We must move beyond rhetoric and take decisive action.”
The remarks come amid rising public outcry over recent attacks in various parts of the country. While the current administration has repeatedly pledged to modernize the military and intelligence services, Obasanjo argued that the current efforts are falling short of expectations.
”It is not about the number of meetings held or the statements issued,” the former president remarked. “It is about the results on the ground. Nigerians deserve to sleep with both eyes closed.”
He further urged the authorities to adopt a more holistic approach to security, including community policing and addressing the socio-economic disparities that fuel criminality among the youth.
