National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Funmi Ojo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lambasted Nigerian leaders, stating that many of them lack the character to lead the country and should be behind bars or even on the gallows.
Obasanjo made this statement while hosting six federal lawmakers at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Friday, August 9. The lawmakers, led by Ugochinyere Ikenga, had visited the former president to seek his support for their bill seeking a six-year single term for presidents and governors.
Obasanjo emphasized that character matters when electing leaders, a quality he believes most public office occupants lack. He stressed that until leaders change their mentality, the country cannot see the desired change, regardless of the system or form of government.
The former president criticized the character of government officials, saying that many should be behind bars or even on the gallows. He called for a rethink on how leaders are selected, emphasizing the need for role models with good track records and attributes.
Obasanjo’s statement comes as Nigerians prepare for a one million-man march to protest hunger and bad governance in the country. The former president had earlier called on President Bola Tinubu to heed the demands of protesting youths, stating that their demands are legitimate.
