Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has asserted that Nigerians of the post-independence era made better choices of leaders than the country is making today.
He made this remark while speaking at the National Daily Awards in Lagos.
Obasanjo recalled the opinion of world leaders about Nigeria immediately after independence, but lamented that the country is not living up to that expectation.
“In fact, in making choices of leaders, I will say Nigerians of post-independence make the right choices of leaders. We all know that if your choice is right, the performance and consequences will be right.
“When the then Prime Minister went to the United Nations post-independence, the world referred to Nigeria as a giant in the sun, not even a giant of Africa.
“But the question is, have we lived up to that? If we have not, the question is why? Are there certain qualities that leaders in the post-independence era had that are absent in leadership today? We talk about values, have our values changed? What is Nigeria today, and what is the Nigeria we want? How do we get the Nigeria we want?”
“Over a long period of my life in peacemaking and mediation, I have come to realize that peace, security, and stability are essential ingredients for the development and growth of any country. Without justice, equity, and fairness, no country can attain greatness.”
He added that, “When you look at us individually, there is something unique about Nigerians. Wherever they go, they excel individually. Today, when you look globally, Nigerians are doing great things individually. It’s time for us to unite and take the country to where it’s supposed to be.
“If we fail to do so, then our existence is useless. We need to make a difference so that we can leave behind a better society.”
Chairman of the Occasion and Former Minister of Health and Social Services, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, supported Obasanjo’s views and called for a rebirth of national ethos.
The National Daily Newspaper organized the event to honor patriotic Nigerians who are making a difference despite the challenges in the country.
