Obasanjo Slams Tinubu, Says Government Failing to Protect Citizens Has No Legitimacy

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Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has delivered a sharp critique of the administration of Bola Tinubu, declaring that any government unable to safeguard lives and property has no justification to remain in power.

Speaking during an appearance on Soni Irabor Live on News Central, Obasanjo attributed Nigeria’s current challenges to ineffective leadership, arguing that the country has lost its global relevance and is increasingly absent from key international conversations.

He also expressed concern over Nigeria’s diminishing influence within the Economic Community of West African States, stating that the country’s weak regional standing reflects deeper governance issues.

Obasanjo lamented the normalization of insecurity, particularly kidnapping, noting that there was a time when Nigerians could travel freely without fear. He stressed that ensuring the safety of citizens remains the primary responsibility of any government, warning that failure in this regard strips such leadership of its legitimacy.

According to him, Nigeria’s security problems date back to the post-civil war era when arms proliferation was not properly addressed, a situation that has worsened due to years of poor governance. He further linked the crisis to external influences, including the fallout from the collapse of Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in Libya, which saw armed fighters and weapons spread across the region, as well as the domestic use of armed groups for political purposes.

The former president also raised alarm over the country’s growing number of out-of-school children—estimated at about 20 million—warning that they could become vulnerable to criminal or extremist recruitment if left unaddressed.

Obasanjo questioned the current trajectory of the nation, saying he sees little evidence of meaningful progress. He also criticized what he described as the erosion of democratic values, arguing that elections are no longer fully reflective of the will of the people.

On foreign policy, he faulted Tinubu’s handling of the crisis in Niger Republic following the recent coup, saying measures such as border closures, electricity cuts, and financial restrictions have strained long-standing bilateral relations.

Reiterating his stance, Obasanjo said the core duty of any government is the protection of lives and property, emphasizing that failure to meet this obligation undermines its very right to exist.