Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo said the performance of Nigerian leaders during his heyday was much better than that of today’s leaders, adding that Nigerians made the right choices then.
Speaking at the National Daily Awards Ceremony in Lagos State, Obasanjo, as keynote speaker, noted that although the politics at the time were as different as the country sees it today, they were determined to ensure that they have chosen the right leaders who make the right decisions for the country.
“In fact, when it comes to leadership choices, I would say that post-independence Nigerians have made the right leadership choices. We all know that if your choice is the right one, performance, and results will be good,” he declared.
He reiterated the views of world leaders about Nigeria immediately after independence, but unfortunately, the country did not live up to this expectation. “When the then Prime Minister visited the United Nations after independence, the world called Nigeria a giant of 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.
“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.”
