Obasanjo: I’m Nearing Life’s Departure, Eager to See Nigeria Thrive

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed urgency in his desire to witness Nigeria achieve greatness within his lifetime.

Speaking at the launch of his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, Obasanjo admitted he is “getting close” to life’s departure lounge, hence his impatience for the country to succeed.

The former military Head of State (1976–1979) and civilian President (1999–2007) explained that his frequent interventions in national affairs—through books, open letters, and public statements—stemmed from patriotism rather than malice.

“All my writings have been aimed at making Nigeria better because I strongly believe in documentation and in the possibility of a better Nigeria,” he said.

Obasanjo highlighted his earlier works, including My Command, Nzeogwu, Not My Will, and his three-volume autobiography My Watch, alongside letters he wrote to leaders during critical national moments, noting that they were meant as guidance, not condemnation.

“Some have accused me of being guilty of the same failings I criticised. But I rely on my conscience and my records and have no need to defend myself,” he added.

In his critique, Obasanjo described the government of former President Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023) as “the worst civil administration so far in Nigeria’s history,” accusing it of failing to tackle corruption, mismanagement, and electoral malpractice—the very issues he once cited in justifying the 1983 coup against Shehu Shagari.

“Words are cheap, and what needed to be done was left undone,” he wrote.

On the current administration, Obasanjo said President Bola Tinubu’s government is “competing with Buhari’s in inefficiency.”

He, however, insisted that his own legacy would speak for him, recalling his sacrifices in war, peacekeeping, imprisonment, and service to the nation.

“I have seen the best and the worst of Nigeria. Yes, mistakes were made, but great things were also done. My life has been a crucible of rural struggles, military service, humiliation and triumphs, all of which have taught me lasting lessons,” he reflected.