Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed deep disappointment in Nigeria’s failure to live up to its potential, stating that the country has disappointed Africa and the black race due to poor leadership, regionalism, and disunity.
Obasanjo made this statement while hosting a 20-member delegation of the League of Northern Democrats, led by former Kano State Governor Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, at his Penthouse in Abeokuta.
“The whole world looked up to Nigeria as the hope of the black race due to its potential, but bad leadership, disunity, and regionalism have made the country lose its potential,” Obasanjo said.
He attributed Nigeria’s problems to regionalism, which has been practiced since before the country’s independence in 1960. Obasanjo emphasized that Nigeria needs to move beyond regional interests and work towards national unity, merit-based leadership, and capacity building.
“Where you come from should not be a problem; what should be of paramount interest is the merit, capacity, and ability to deliver,” Obasanjo stressed.
The former President advised the League of Northern Democrats to change its name to the National League of Democrats to promote national unity and inclusivity.
Shekarau shared concerns about unity, education, good governance, and insecurity, and vowed to address these issues through advocacy.
Obasanjo reassured that despite the challenges, he remains optimistic about Nigeria’s future, emphasizing that it’s not too late to correct past mistakes.
“We have disappointed ourselves, we have disappointed the black race, Africa, and the world at large. But it’s not too late to retrace our steps. We must put the past behind us and work for the greatness of Nigeria,” Obasanjo concluded.
