Obasanjo: Nigeria's Security Crisis Threatens Existence

In a recent interview, former President Olusegun Obasanjo emphasized that any government that cannot ensure the safety of its citizens has forfeited its right to exist. He warned that Nigeria's security situation has reached an alarming stage, with kidnapping and violent crime becoming routine.

Obasanjo attributed the deterioration of security to years of poor governance and the proliferation of arms following the civil war, as well as the failure to confront emerging threats. He highlighted the vulnerability of approximately 20 million school children in Nigeria, who are at risk of being exploited by extremist groups.

Additionally, Obasanjo criticized Nigeria's declining relevance in international affairs, particularly in light of President Bola Tinubu's handling of the crisis in Niger, which has led to sanctions and weakened regional cooperation. He expressed deep pessimism about the current administration's ability to improve governance and warned that the country must adopt strategic thinking and political courage to overcome its challenges.