Obasanjo criticizes self-centered leadership in Nigeria, calls for honest governance

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the current state of leadership in Nigeria, describing it as plagued by “self-centered leaders” across all levels.

Speaking at a memorial lecture in Lagos on Wednesday, honoring Akintola Williams, Nigeria’s first chartered accountant, Obasanjo emphasized that while Nigeria is a complex country, it is not difficult to manage with honest and dedicated leadership.

The lecture, themed “Leadership Dynamics: Current Realities and Way Forward,” was organized by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1976 to 1979 and as civilian president from 1999 to 2007, reflected on his tenure and the economic challenges his administration faced.

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Despite inheriting just N3.7 billion in reserves and spending N3.5 billion on debt servicing when he took office, Obasanjo recounted how his government secured debt relief, which significantly improved Nigeria’s financial stability.

By the end of his presidency, the country had over N45 billion in reserves and an excess crude account of more than N25 billion.

Obasanjo also paid tribute to the late Akintola Williams, praising his contributions to Nigeria’s political, social, and economic development.

ICAN President Davidson Alaribe urged members to honor Williams’ legacy by upholding the high standards he set for the profession.

In August, Obasanjo had urged Nigerians to avoid electing “transactional leaders” if the country is to make meaningful progress, echoing his ongoing concerns about the quality of leadership in Nigeria.