He also stressed that Nigeria cannot advance without reforms in governance.

Obasanjo made these remarks while hosting six House of Representatives members, led by Hon. Ugochinyere Ikenga, at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta.

The lawmakers, who are advocating for a single six-year term for the president and governors, power rotation between northern and southern Nigeria, and a unified election day for all levels of government, sought Obasanjo’s insights on their proposed bills.

Commenting on the #EndBadGovernance protests, Obasanjo supported the protesters’ demands, calling for the government to address their concerns genuinely rather than pretending that all is well.

He warned of the dangers of ignoring these issues, stressing the need for urgent action to address the frustrations and needs of Nigeria’s youth.

In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Obasanjo faulted how Tinubu’s administration removed the fuel subsidies, arguing that proper measures should have been implemented beforehand.

“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done. Not just wake up one morning and say you removed the subsidy.

“Because of inflation, the subsidy that we have removed is not gone. It has come back,” the former President stressed.

He said there must be investor confidence in Nigeria.

“You have to go from transactional economy to transformational economy”, he added.

Obasanjo’s remarks come amid ongoing hunger protests in Nigeria. The protests, which began on Thursday, have entered their fifth day with a major demand for the return of the fuel subsidy regime.

In response to the protests, President Tinubu addressed the nation on Sunday, appealing to protesters to suspend their demonstrations. He acknowledged that the decision to remove the fuel subsidy was painful but necessary, describing it as a noose around the economic “jugular of our Nation and impeded our economic development and progress.”

Obasanjo stated this in the wake of allegations by the President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, that some ‘mafias’ were making efforts to frustrate the $20bn refinery.

This came as it was gathered on Monday that the multi-billion dollar refinery and other domestic refineries had yet to purchase crude oil in naira based on the directive of President Bola Tinubu to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

In an interview with Financial Times, the former President described the Dangote refinery as something that should encourage both Nigerians and non-Nigerians.

“Aliko’s investment in a refinery, if it goes well, should encourage both Nigerians and non-Nigerians to invest in Nigeria.

“If those who are selling or supplying refined products for Nigeria feel that they will lose the lucrative opportunity, they will also make every effort to get him frustrated,” Obasanjo stated.

Officials of the Dangote Group recently cried out that international oil companies were frustrating the refinery by refusing to sell crude or by selling to them at a premium up to $4 above the normal price.

They also accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority of deliberately granting licences to individuals to import dirty fuel.

The regulator denied this, saying Dangote diesel was inferior when compared to the imported ones.

The NMDPRA Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed, also stated that the country would not stop fuel importation to avoid a monopoly by the Dangote Group.

Obasanjo, speaking further, disclosed that Nigeria made a deadly mistake by putting all its eggs in what he called one basket of oil, ignoring gas and agriculture.

“I believe we made a very, very deadly mistake. We put all our eggs in one basket of oil. We even ignored gas. We were flaring gas, which is a very important commodity

“We ignored agriculture, which should have been the centrepiece of our economic development,” Obasanjo stated.

He recalled how he persuaded Shell to run the country’s refineries but the International Oil Company refused, saying there was too much corruption in the sector.

When I was President, I invited Shell and I said, look, come and take equity participation and run our refineries for us. They refused. They said our refineries have not been well maintained.

“We have brought amateurs rather than bringing professionals. They said there’s too much corruption with the way our refinery is run and maintained. And they didn’t want to get involved in such a mess,” he explained.

On the promises that the refineries will be fixed, he asked, “How many times have they told us that? And at what price?

“Those problems, as far as the government refineries are concerned, have never gone away. They have even increased. So if you have a problem like that and that problem is not removed then you aren’t going anywhere.”

The former President also condemned the style adopted by President Bola Tinubu to remove fuel subsidies, stating that the present administration should have first considered the hardship the subsidy removal could cause people and how to ameliorate the same.

“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done. Not just wake up one morning and say you removed the subsidy. Because of inflation, the subsidy that we have removed is not gone. It has come back,” the former President stressed.

He said there must be investor confidence in Nigeria, adding, “You have to go from transactional economy to transformational economy.”

Obasanjo expressed concern over youths’ restiveness caused by unemployment, fearing that Nigeria might be sitting on a keg of gunpowder.

“Our youth are restive. And they are restive because they have no skill. They have no empowerment. They have no employment. We are all sitting on a keg of gunpowder. And my prayer is that we will do the right thing before it’s too late,” he warned.

Obasanjo criticized the Western style of democracy for its failure to consider the majority’s views, describing it as a “government of a few people over all the people or population.”

He proposed the adoption of ‘Afro Democracy,’ emphasizing that African countries should define and design their governance systems.

Obasanjo highlighted the weaknesses and failures of liberal democracy, emphasizing the need to move beyond the current system that neglects the majority.

He questioned the relevance of a system brought by colonial powers and urged a shift in mindset to develop a government that better serves the welfare and well-being of the people.

Former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, echoed concerns about the challenges facing liberal democracy in Africa, emphasizing the importance of addressing the non-delivery of development outcomes to improve the welfare of the people.

Obasanjo gave the commendation on Sunday while speaking at the 16th Harvest Anniversary and Thanksgiving Service held at the Love of Christ Generation Church C&S in Victoria Island, Lagos State.

The event was attended by the Ooni of Ife, His Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Publisher of Ovation Magazine, Aare Dele Momodu; Osun State House of Assembly Speaker, Adewale Egbedun and members of the Osun House of Assembly; and top political and traditional rulers,

Obasanjo cited the governor as an example of a leader who is not ashamed to praise God despite occupying the highest office in the state, explaining that dancing and working for God and the people are things to be proud of.

“Mr. Governor, they call you a dancer. But you are dancing to praise God. And I heard you are working hard for your people,” Obasanjo who spoke in Yoruba language was quoted as saying in a statement signed by Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Sunday

“Dancing to praise God is praiseworthy, especially with the reports of good developments happening in Osun State.

“God, whom you are praising, will shower His blessings on your state and government. I associate with you. Again, I learnt you are a listening leader. They said you take advice from the young and the old. I am happy to hear that.

“I call on His Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, and other royal fathers to support the governor to deliver more. Mr. Governor, continue to work closely with traditional rulers, elders, and stakeholders of your state.

“I charge Kabiyesi Ooni to always host close-door meetings with the governor. God whom the governor is praising will continue to support him. He will not fail,” Obasanjo said.

Speaking at the event, Adeleke said his habit of praise and worship was to celebrate the owner of heaven and earth, saying “I am never ashamed to hold unto God through song and dance.

“Several men and women of God predicted my governorship. I am here to praise God for the prophecy that has come to pass. My convenant with God is to come back to thank and praise him.

“I do this in several places of worship. My covenant with God is also to truly deliver dividends of democracy to my people. In 100 days in office, I did what many could not achieve in four years.

“We reformed the public service, attended to workers’ welfare, constructed and reconstructed over 40 kilometres of roads, and implemented free medical surgeries with more than 40,000 beneficiaries.

“We are working on super overhead bridges to ease connectivity. We are reforming the education sector. We are building up our agriculture sector. I am working to make Osun State a reference point.

“I seek your prayers. I solicit your support. We are committed to God and the people.”

Obasanjo made these remarks while delivering the keynote address during the public presentation of the book titled ‘Reclaiming the Jewel of Africa,’ authored by former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, and also former Minister of Finance, Olusegun Aganga.

The event, held in Abuja and attended by numerous past and present government officials, saw President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Monetary Policy, Olawale Edun, unveil the book.

Additionally, former President Goodluck Jonathan and Obasanjo addressed the gathering virtually.

Acknowledging the nation’s shortcomings, Obasanjo stated, “Over the last 63 years, we have not lived up to expectations. We have disappointed ourselves; we have disappointed Africa; we have disappointed the black race; and we have disappointed the world.”

However, he also emphasized the importance of the book in identifying a path forward, saying, “what Segun (Aganga) has tried to identify, itemise and recommend in his book is the way forward.”

In critiquing the country’s current situation, Obasanjo highlighted two crucial interconnected issues for holistic development: peace and security, which necessitate justice, equity, and inclusivity in society.

He lamented the nation’s recent performance in these areas over the past decade and a half.

Furthermore, Obasanjo drew attention to the education crisis, where more than 20 million children remain out of school, warning of dire consequences for the future.

He expressed concern over the lack of emphasis on skill acquisition, empowerment, and youth employment, which contribute to rising incidents of banditry, Boko Haram activities, kidnappings, and other organized crimes.

Obasanjo cautioned that Nigeria was precariously situated on a keg of gunpowder, as misguided policies and neglect were pushing more people into poverty. He called for a candid acknowledgment of the country’s failures and a concerted effort to implement effective policies for sustainable development.

Speaking at the Egba Dialect Debate and Choral Competition for Secondary Schools in Ogun Central District in Abeokuta on Thursday, Obasanjo expressed his concern over the exclusion of women from the nation’s highest office, despite their significant contributions to society.

The former Head of State emphasized the importance of fairness and equity in sharing power and key positions between genders.

Drawing an analogy, Obasanjo stated that just as a hand cannot carry a load to the head alone, it is crucial to give women a chance to lead.

He highlighted the fact that the only biological difference between men and women is the ability to bear children and stated that it should not prevent women from assuming the presidency.

Naimot Salako-Oyedele, the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, encouraged more women to engage in politics and assert their influence, given their numerical strength.

She emphasized the need for women to actively participate and fight for political power rather than expecting it to be handed to them.

In conclusion, Obasanjo and Salako-Oyedele echoed the importance of female leadership in Nigeria, calling for a more inclusive political landscape that recognizes the capabilities and potential of women.

The general elections are in risk being delayed because of the ongoing crisis brought on by the lack of new naira notes and fuel, which is why Obasanjo made his comment.

The former president gave a speech as he welcomed the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to his penthouse apartment inside the grounds of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The ADC national leaders were led by their Chairman, Dr. Mani Ibrahim Ahmed; the National Chairman of the party, Prof. Ralph Nwosu and a former presidential aspirant of the ADC, Chukwuka Monye.

According to Obasanjo, Nigeria is in an interesting period, urging Nigerians to take the elections with all the seriousness it deserves as being done in developed nations.

The Balogun Owu charged Nigerians to strive towards giving their best to ensure the general elections hold.

Stating that the attention of the global community is now focused on the 2023 polls in Nigeria, he charged Nigerians, as main stakeholders to contribute towards the success of the elections.

“We are in an interesting period in Nigeria. In less than three weeks, we will be going to the polls; well, I hope nothing will intervene against that. In less than three weeks, we will be electing a leader that will pilot the affairs of Nigeria for the next four years from May.

“I have been in Togo, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire from the beginning of the week; and they are as concerned about what happens in Nigeria as every Nigerian should be.

This is as he says he won’t join the campaign train of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, saying he has done his best by writing his endorsement.

The former president said these while speaking on Thursday at a virtual engagement organised by Africa Leadership Group.

Obasanjo had in his New Year message to Nigerians, titled “My appeal to all Nigerians particularly young Nigerians,” thrown his weight behind Obi.

The ex-president said he had no regret leading Nigeria.

Obasanjo said, “I am not in campaign train. I’ve used benefit of my experience and I’ve put plainly.

“I do not belong to any political party. I will not join any campaign train. I’ve said what is best for the country.”

Speaking on what to look out for in the next president, Obasanjo said, “Nigeria is where we are because of leadership.

We must decisively look for men and women who have the character, attributes, skill and attitude that we need for leadership, that will deliver in this country.”

The former president however refuted claims that he wanted a third term as President of the country.

Obasanjo said he would have had it if he had wanted.

Obasanjo said, “I never asked for a third term. If I wanted a third term, I would have got it. I am audacious enough to know how to get it.”

Speaking on the Nigerian constitution, Obasanjo called for an amendment, noting that no constitution was perfect.

He said, “Some people blame the constitution for everything in Nigeria. Of course, our constitution is not perfect, and there is no constitution that is sacrosanct and it can be amended.”

He said part of what should be included in the amended constitution is the devolution of power.

He, however noted that a decision in the right direction might bring about progress in Nigeria.

The former President gave this advised when he appeared as the special guest of honour at the Wilson Badejo Foundation’s 15th annual lecture, with the theme, ‘Overcoming the twin challenges of poverty and insecurity in Nigeria’, held in Lagos on Wednesday.

“It is either we make the right choice in 2023 because if we make the right choice, we would get there.

“However, if we do not make the right choice in 2023, things would consume us and we pray against that one. We must make the right choice in 2023.

“Nigeria isn’t where it is supposed to be today. If anyone says it’s ok where we’re at the moment, then the person’s head needs to be examined.

“My friend, the late Ahmed Joda, used to tell me that God has given us everything a nation needs and there is no need for prayers because if God has given you everything and you squandered it, then something is wrong.

“I told him that even at that, we still need prayers as a nation.”