Politics

Lest Nigerian Youths Be Deceived By Obasanjo’s Sanctimony And Revisionism

Published

3 years ago

January 2, 2023

News Net Global

Lest Nigerian Youths Be Deceived By Obasanjo’s Sanctimony And Revisionism

By: Dele Alake

On the whole, the latest epistolary misadventure by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is a gratuitous insult on the collective intelligence of Nigerians. In particular, his laborious attempt to prey on the innocence of much younger generation constitutes a grievous assault on public morality, seeking to force morsels of sheer falsehood down the throats of a demography perhaps too young to comprehend events which Obasanjo furiously tried to misrepresent.
It is noteworthy that it was the Obasanjo administration that abolished the teaching of history in Nigerian schools ostensibly to aid this kind of historical revisionism he routinely engages in; a decision now happily reversed by the President Muhammadu Buhari government.

Contestants for the presidential office in Nigeria routinely consult with and court Obasanjo , not because of his electoral value which is minuscule, but out of respect for his status as a former Head of State. It is, however, obvious that the man himself has no respect for that status, as he continuously embroils himself in partisan politics in a most pretentious and dishonest manner and refuses to rise to the demands of statesmanship.

In the statement entitled “My Appeal To All Nigerians Particularly Young Nigerians”, General Obasanjo rtd plumbed into new depth in hubris and hypocrisy never seen in all his career as political busybody after office who seems to see Nigeria as a movie where only he is the all-conquering hero while others are doomed villains. Some psychoanalysts are wont to diagnose this Obasanjo’s peculiar political affliction as post-power-withdrawal-syndrome (PPWS): false omniscience compounded by chronic inability to accept the reality of being out of political office.

Even in the US, whose variant of presidential system of government we practise, former Presidents maintain a decorous distance from government after office, opting wisely not to be a distraction to their successors. Not so the meddlesome Obasanjo.

That same mindset led him to stab MKO Abiola in the back in faraway Harare, Zimbabwe, by saying he was not “a messiah” even when most Nigerians had started viewing the winner of the June 12 polls of 1993 as the symbol of democracy after the annulment. It soon came to light that whereas a group of retired generals including Muhammadu Buhari and Theophilus Danjuma were resolute in their call for the de-annulment through the platform of a “committee of elders”, Obasanjo, the supposed “convener”, was said to have plotted the floating of an “interim government” to replace the now discredited Babangida regime.

While Obasanjo’s right to support any candidate of his choice in the forthcoming presidential polls must be recognized as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution, how condescending of him to decree his preference on Nigerians based on a cocktail of bare-faced lies and crude revisionism. In fact, there’s a widespread allegation that the latest gambit by the political busybody of Ota is part of a larger nefarious scheme to incite disorder around the country with a view to clearing the grounds for the resurrection of his favourite contraption: interim national government (ING) !

Third term agenda

Contrary to his posturing as a democrat who came to office for the second time at a questionable age 62 and left at 70, Obasanjo’s feverish gamble for life presidency between 2005 and 2006 was actually thwarted by a pro-democracy coalition of progressives like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and several others.

Bribes ranging from N50m to N100m (amounting to whopping N20bn of public funds) were allegedly handed over to federal lawmakers to approve a clause smuggled into the list of amendments proposed by a “confab” (hurriedly set up by Obasanjo), removing the cap on the two-term limit enshrined by the 1999 constitution. Despite the outrage expressed across the land, Obasanjo had soldiered on through his battalion of political foot soldiers. But on the day the contentious bill was to be decided, the lawmakers voted their conscience and stood firm on the side of Nigerians against Obasanjo’s imperial life presidency ambition.
Is it not therefore ironic that a man unwilling to vacate Aso Rock at 70 (in 2007) is now moralizing against anyone above age 70 aspiring for the same office today? It’s always been known that Obasanjo suffers deep insecurities manifesting in his “Mr. Too Know” antics. But never did anyone imagine that the chicken farmer would carry his accustomed charlatanism as far as arrogating medical expertise to himself as to now also be certifying who is fit or not for the rigor of office through nothing but the estimation of the eyes based on “my own personal experience”.

Obasanjo’s waste versus Buhari’s prudence

While it can be said that prevailing anaemic circumstances of the world economy in 2015 were not quite favorable to the Buhari administration upon takeoff, we make bold to say that, contrary to doomsday scenario painted by Obasanjo, President Muhammadu Buhari has been more prudent in the management of the little the country has earned. How ironic that Buhari that inherited a wrecked economy in 2015 from PDP under the influence of Obasanjo is now being blamed for the hardship suffered by Nigerians, hardship that truly resulted from systemic damage inflicted by PDP’s 16 years of sustained squandermania. Discerning Nigerians surely know better. They can see and feel the relief brought about by Buhari’s rail revolution, massive investment in infrastructure like the second Niger Bridge and numerous roads built or reconstructed across the country. However, despite that oil price averaged $100 per barrel for most of the Obasanjo years and two subsequent PDP administrations, Nigeria has very little or nothing to show for it, other than tales of bare-faced looting and waste for 16 years.

Under Obasanjo’s watch, a senate panel found that national assets — indeed our common patrimony built from independence in 1960 — worth $100bn were auctioned to cronies and fronts at a ridiculous $1.3bn through a dubious privatization programme. This constituted the root of the massive joblessness in the country.

Also, House of Reps committee found that Obasanjo wasted $16bn on the so-called power projects. Rather than electricity, Nigerians experienced worst darkness. According to his deputy then and incidentally the present PDP’s flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar, “In some cases, some contractors were paid 100 percent of the contract sum’’ …without performance !
So pervasive was sleaze under Obasanjo that Atiku, while testifying before another senate committee in 2007, revealed that his boss was fond of “sending handwritten notes to PTDF (Petroleum Trust Development Fund) to release money to buy vehicles for his girlfriends”.

In one last act of moral, political and financial atrocity in 2007, Obasanjo literally commandeered captains of industry and PDP governors to Ota to raise over N7bn for the building of his personal library (memorably dubbed “Presidential Laundromat” by Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka).
For a man who enrolled in PDP in 1998 with only N20,000 reportedly in his bank account after a stint in prison, Obasanjo left power in 2007 stupendously wealthy with vast farm estates in many states and private university.

False claim of mentorship

Typically, megalomaniac Obasanjo lied that the leading presidential candidates who had visited him addressed him as “mentor” and that, according to him, their respective quest for the No 1 job in the land was to continue where he stopped his “good work”. We presume that included Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. It is another shameless lie by a meddlesome interloper in an orgy of self-adulation.

To start with, many will easily recall that the same Obasanjo had issued a statement shortly after the APC candidate paid him a courtesy call months back categorically stating that the visit was “non-political” in response to “misconception in a section of the media”. So, how come this contradiction now? In any case, keen watchers of political events will attest that Tinubu’s accustomed progressive leaning is antithetical to Obasanjo’s imperial messianism. It is an ideological contestation dating back to 1999.

All through Obasanjo’s eight-year imperial presidency, Tinubu’s fidelity to progressive ideology led him to challenge Obasanjo’s excesses through the instrumentality of the courts and constitutionalism. Indeed, through constant diligent litigations, Lagos under Tinubu was able to win over 13 landmark cases against the federal government at the Supreme Court that not only enriched constitutionalism but also extended the frontiers of federalism in Nigeria.

Tinubu’s opposition also manifested in his refusal to be deceived by Obasanjo’s antics in 2003 in the latter’s desperation to capture the South-west and end his personal shame as a President without political home-base. It is on record that Tinubu emerged the only Yoruba governor who survived Obasanjo’s onslaught against the entire South West. Ever so treacherous, Obasanjo betrayed the other five AD governors by rigging them out of office, with Tinubu becoming “the last man standing”.

His petty hatred for Asiwaju and lack of vision led him into scuttling the first-of-its-kind Independent Power Project (IPP) initiated by Lagos State in 1999. It also explained Obasanjo’s illegal withholding of councils fund belonging to Lagos for over two years following the creation of 37 additional council areas. Even after the Supreme Court ruling directed the release, Obasanjo continued his unconstitutional perfidy of withholding the state’s local government revenue, to punish Lagos. The funds were not released until President Umar Yar’Adua assumed power in 2007.

Indeed, the redrawing of Nigeria’s electioneering calendar is a testament of Obasanjo’s rigging inclination. Today, off-season governorship contests are organised by INEC in states like Edo, Osun, Ekiti, and Kogi due to the theft of popular mandate under Obasanjo’s watch, having declared the 2007 polls a “do or die” for his party. In Edo, Osun and Ekiti in particular, it is a well-known fact that Tinubu spear-headed the struggle to retrieve the stolen mandates through the court. So, how could Obasanjo therefore list Tinubu among his “mentees” who wish to continue where he “stopped”?

He mischievously twisted Tinubu’s ‘Emilokan’ statement before the APC presidential primaries out of context in a futile bid to de-market the APC candidate. The very poor understanding of that phrase by a supposed Yoruba (?) man will only fuel doubts already expressed in some informed quarters about Obasanjo’s roots. Tinubu made his statement within the context of the internal dynamics of APC , and the fact that he later emerged as candidate by an overwhelming majority shows that his claims are infallible. Nobody worked as hard as Tinubu to win the support of delegates during the primaries and today he is second to none in aggressively seeking the support of voters across the country to achieve success in next month’s elections. Ironically, the only concrete reason Obasanjo offers for supporting Peter Obi is that it is “the turn” of the South-East! What a contradiction!!

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/reuters-mercenary-journalism-and-nigerian-military/

Capacity to identify and nurture leaders

It is laughable that Obasanjo has the temerity to deem himself qualified to lecture Nigerians on who to elect as a leader. Throughout his political trajectory in public life, he has unfailingly demonstrated gross incompetence in this regard. In 1979, his military regime was designed to produce the weakest leadership in a political terrain that had such proven leadership talents as Adamu Ciroma, Aminu Kano, Maitama Sule, Waziri Ibrahim, Nnamdi Azikwe or Obafemi Awolowo among others. In 2007, after his two-term tenure and the failure of his third term agenda, he influenced the emergence of two PDP successors who failed partly because of weak institutional foundation he had laid and partly because of their own limitations. Obasanjo in a fit of mindless hypocrisy claims that strength and vitality are requirements for the presidency but was the same man who knew of the late good man Umaru Yar a dua’s terminal condition and still used the coercive agencies of state to impose him on Nigeria ! The late president Yar adua himself publicly acknowledged that the 2007 election under Obasanjo was extremely flawed . This is in sharp contrast to Lagos State where the Tinubu administration designed a 25-year development Masterplan for the state and inspired a succession of competent leaders who not only sustained but also improved on the legacies of Tinubu’s administration, making Lagos the fastest growing in Nigeria and the 5th largest economy in Africa today.
In endorsing Obi, Obasanjo resorted to verbose and nebulous generalities without telling Nigerians in concrete terms what were his preferred candidate’s track record of performance as governor in Anambra state.

The shame of Anambra

Perhaps the most laughable of the megalomaniac stunts by Obasanjo was naming Peter Obi among his “mentees”. Older Nigerians and just anyone old enough to comprehend series of abominable occurrences on the political landscape around 2003 must have reacted to such claim with derisive laughter and guffaw. It is perhaps a reflection of Obasanjo’s penchant to prey on the poor memory of the average Nigerian that he now seeks to dress Obi, his one-time victim, as a “mentee”. Given the well-known facts of history, many are left wondering if it was not the same Obi that Obasanjo’s thuggish enforcer, Chris Uba, robbed of Anambra governorship in 2003. It took the refusal of Dr. Chris Ngige to surrender Anambra’s treasury to Obasanjo’s surrogates (Chris Uba and co) for Nigerians to know that the polls were rigged in favour of PDP in Anambra at the expense of APGA’s Peter Obi. While the dirty fight lasted between the electoral robbers in Anambra, the police were implicated in a botched attempt to kidnap the then sitting Anambra governor and force him to resign from office. When that failed, hapless people of Anambra woke up one morning soon afterward to witness a reign of terror unleashed on Awka, the state capital, with Government House and other government structures either razed or vandalized by armed thugs. Fingers were pointed at Chris Uba, the self-styled “godfather of all godfathers”. While the show of shame lasted, it came to light that the Uba was working for Obasanjo. When asked to clarify his relationship with Chris Ubah during a Presidential Chat transmitted live by NTA soon afterwards, Obasanjo shamelessly downplayed the infamy by describing him as an “enthusiastic party (PDP) supporter” in Anambra!

With this brazen attempt at revisionism by this political megalomaniac, discerning Nigerians are unlikely to miss the audacity of willful mendacity. This speaks to Obasanjo’s incorrigible penchant to always twist facts, manufacture lies to launder his dirty undergarment and project himself as Nigeria’s only messiah since independence.

But informed Nigerian voters surely can see through Obasanjo’s chicanery. That is why they will not heed his self-serving call. Rather, come February 25, they will go out in large numbers and vote Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the only one among the present parade of candidates with the requisite capacity, competence and character to leap Nigeria from a country of potentials to one of greatness.

Obasanjo’s selfish plot to impose a puppet and regain his lost maniacal grip on power shall fail , again…just as his perfidious and pernicious third term agenda !

Alake , former commissioner for Information and Strategy Lagos State, is the Adviser Media, Communications and Public Affairs of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

Lest Nigerian Youths Be Deceived By Obasanjo’s Sanctimony And Revisionism

Politics

Who is Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima?

Published

3 days ago

February 6, 2026

News Net Global

Who is Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima?

Who is Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima?

By: Dr. James Bwala

Last night someone asked me this question while we listened to three series of radio interviews with Malam Ahmed Yerima on different titles: “akwai kallo,” “rashin tabbas,” etc., and this particular politician, who invited me for dinner at his mansion, said he is amazed by the calmness of the VP in all that has been going on around as we listened to the Hausa interview. I asked him how long he has known the VP. His reply was close to when he became the vice president. I told him the vice president reads. That was what made him different, and that is who he is. Rather than understand my reply, he got confused by my simple reply, and I noticed it, but we laughed it all off.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/the-respectful-leadership-of-vice-president-kashim-shettima/

But on my way home, the thought flashes back just around Abatcha Barracks. “His calm demeanor, profound knowledge, and unwavering respect for people.” Indeed, Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima. His character—not merely shaped by position but also by a deep commitment to reading and self-development—illustrates the essence of wisdom that transcends political ambitions. Yes! Vice President Kashim Shettima has cultivated a culture around himself that emphasizes the importance of knowledge through reading, the impact of this commitment on his leadership style, and why it sets him apart in Nigeria’s chaotic political landscape.

Kashim Shettima’s love for learning is not just a personal preference but a lifestyle choice grounded in the belief that reading expands one’s understanding of the world. He embodies the adage, “He who reads increases in knowledge.” This philosophy is not merely a reflection of his character; it is his guiding principle. Each night, he dedicates time to read at least a chapter from a book before bedtime. This routine fosters an environment of continuous learning, enabling him to engage in informed discussions and make decisions based on a well-rounded perspective.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/the-respectful-leadership-of-vice-president-kashim-shettima/

In a society where many are distracted by the immediacies of daily life, Shettima’s deliberate choice to prioritize reading serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring leaders who wish to impact their communities positively. The significance of Shettima’s reading habit extends beyond his personal development; it resonates with his approach to leadership. Through his reading, he gains insights into diverse cultures, philosophies, and governance models, which enrich his understanding of Nigeria’s complex socio-political fabric. This extensive knowledge equips him to respond effectively to various challenges facing the nation, whether economic, social, or security-related. By promoting a culture of reading, he encourages others to embrace learning and critical thinking, thus fostering a more educated populace capable of participating meaningfully in democracy.

Kashim Shettima’s wisdom is reflected in his interactions with others. In today’s political arena, where disrespect and insult have become commonplace, Shettima opts for diplomacy and respect. His belief that wisdom is his guidance allows him to navigate even the most challenging conversations with grace. He listens intently, valuing the opinions of others—even those with whom he may disagree. This practice fosters an environment where constructive dialogue can flourish, allowing for collaborative solutions to emerge instead of divisive rhetoric. In a landscape riddled with conflict, this approach is not only refreshing but also necessary for building bridges among Nigeria’s various ethnic and cultural groups.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/the-respectful-leadership-of-vice-president-kashim-shettima/

Amidst the turbulence that often characterizes Nigerian politics, where reputations can be built or destroyed overnight, Shettima remains a steadfast figure. His ability to maintain composure, likened to shining brightly like the Northern Star, stems from his profound understanding of the dynamics at play in governance. He recognizes that politics can be unpredictable; yet, he remains true to his values, grounded in knowledge and guided by wisdom. This constancy earns him respect across party lines and among ordinary citizens, establishing him as a leader who prioritizes the nation’s stability over personal or partisan gain.

Shettima’s calmness during crises demonstrates his leadership qualities in action. For instance, during periods of violence and insecurity in his home state of Borno, he did not succumb to panic or despair. Instead, he employed a measured approach, combining both empathy for the affected communities and strategic planning for rehabilitation and recovery. By focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems, he instills confidence in his capacity to lead effectively. His methods serve as a model for other leaders in Nigeria, showcasing the impact of grounded, wise leadership in turbulent times.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/the-respectful-leadership-of-vice-president-kashim-shettima/

VP Shettima emphasizes the importance of mentorship and education. He actively promotes initiatives aimed at empowering youth through educational programs and skill acquisition workshops. Understanding that the future of Nigeria lies within its young population, he invests time and resources to encourage them to read, learn, and grow. By doing so, he cultivates a new generation of informed citizens who can contribute positively to society. This commitment to future leaders highlights his recognition that true leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about nurturing the potential in others. Perhaps the reason why young people are the ones seen mostly around him is

Kashim Shettima’s unique combination of knowledge, wisdom, and respect creates a distinctive leadership style that resonates deeply within Nigeria’s political sphere. He stands apart from the typical political figure characterized by a relentless pursuit of power or personal gain. Instead, he views his role as a privilege—one that comes with a responsibility to serve the people with integrity. His dedication to reading empowers him with the tools necessary for effective governance, reinforcing the idea that education and wisdom are paramount for anyone seeking to lead.

READ ALSO: https://newsng.ng/the-respectful-leadership-of-vice-president-kashim-shettima/

Critics might argue that in a political system fraught with corruption and opportunism, Shettima’s approach may seem naïve or ineffective. However, it is essential to recognize that true change begins with individuals willing to challenge the status quo. By embodying the principles of knowledge, respect, and wisdom, Shettima not only influences those around him but also inspires a broader movement toward a more accountable and progressive political culture in Nigeria. His unyielding commitment to these values offers a counter-narrative to the prevailing cynicism often associated with politics today.

So, my answer to this question in its deepest appeal is that Kashim Shettima represents a refreshing departure from the norm in Nigerian politics. His culture of reading, grounded in the belief that knowledge drives respect and understanding, shapes his interactions, decision-making, and overall leadership style and defines the man we all called “Oga.” Indeed, in a world where distractions abound, Shettima stands as a testament to the transformative power of wisdom nourished through reading. As he navigates the political terrain, his calmness amid chaos serves as an example for current and aspiring leaders alike. Ultimately, Shettima demonstrates that embracing knowledge and wisdom is not merely a personal endeavor but a foundation upon which impactful leadership can be built, creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.

* James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

Who is Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima?

Politics

The Respectful Leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima

Published

1 week ago

February 1, 2026

News Net Global

Vice President Kashim Shettima

The Respectful Leadership of Vice President Kashim Shettima

By: Dr. James Bwala

Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, stood where respect and integrity define a man and his character. He embodies what can be tagged as pure respect over the rhetorical blend of others who trade where respect and integrity are often overshadowed by ambition and divisive rhetoric. His character exemplifies respect towards everyone he encounters.

Kashim Shettima’s respect for President Tinubu is multi-dimensional, stemming not only from their current partnership in governance but also from the deep-rooted ties they forged long before assuming their respective offices. This relationship is underpinned by a shared vision for Nigeria’s future, founded on mutual respect and understanding.