Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo said Saturday that the country is “in bandage” under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, warning that the nation’s challenges require urgent and decisive action.
Speaking at a public lecture in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the elder statesman likened Nigeria’s current state to “a seriously wounded body requiring careful and expert treatment,” but said the administration’s approach so far has been insufficient to foster recovery.
“Nigeria is currently in bandage, not healing as it should,” Obasanjo said. “We need leadership that will take the bandage off, treat the injury, and start real healing.”
Obasanjo, who governed Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 and previously led as a military head of state, criticized lingering economic hardships, worsening insecurity, and persistent political divisions. He urged the current government to prioritize national unity, economic revitalization, and security sector reforms.
“There is a real need for the government at all levels to work together, honestly, for the benefit of the nation,” Obasanjo said, calling on Tinubu’s administration to “do more than just manage symptoms.”
In response, the Presidency issued a brief statement acknowledging Obasanjo’s concerns and reiterating its commitment to addressing the nation’s challenges. “The administration is aware of the difficulties and is working tirelessly to improve the lives of all Nigerians,” the statement read.
Obasanjo’s remarks come as public frustration with inflation, unemployment, and insecurity grows, with many Nigerians expressing impatience with the pace of reforms promised by Tinubu since taking office in May 2023.
Financial analyst Aisha Mohammed said the former president’s comments reflect widespread anxiety. “People are tired of waiting for things to get better,” she said. “The government must act faster to restore confidence.”
Obasanjo’s public critiques have often influenced political debate in Nigeria. Analysts suggest his latest intervention could increase pressure on Tinubu’s government to accelerate policies aimed at stabilizing the economy and improving security.
No immediate further comment was released by the Presidency as of press time.
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