Nationwide Hunger Protests: Obasanjo Issues Stern Warning to Tinubu

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged the Federal Government to heed the concerns driving the current nationwide protests by the youth.

During a meeting with six National Assembly members in Abeokuta on Friday, Obasanjo underscored the legitimacy of the youth’s demands. He cautioned that failing to address these concerns promptly could lead to severe consequences.

According to NAN, the legislators in question are co-sponsors of a bill proposing a single six-year presidential term with rotation between the North and South.

Obasanjo stressed the need for the Federal Government to take the youth’s grievances seriously and not dismiss them lightly.

“You are who you are today because you’re a Nigerian; I am who I am because I’m a Nigerian. So why should Nigerians suffer in poverty?” he asked. “Their demands are not being addressed, and many are frustrated, desperate, angry, and unemployed. What do we expect?”

He further emphasized that for Nigeria to reach its full potential, a collective effort and a shift in mindset are essential.

The former president argued that the real issue is not whether to adopt a single six-year term or retain the current system, but rather the need for a change in governance mentality.

“Whether we have a single six-year term or two four-year terms, what matters is our mentality,” Obasanjo said. “Changing the term length alone will not solve the problem if the mindset of those in power remains unchanged. We need to rethink our approach.”

Obasanjo also commented on the importance of having a trustworthy electoral system, stating, “With a reliable system and a trustworthy INEC, the length of the term becomes less significant.”

Earlier, Mr. Ikenga Ugochinyere, who led the group of lawmakers, advocated for the adoption of a single six-year presidential term, coupled with a rotational mechanism for governance between the North and South. He also suggested that state governments rotate leadership among their senatorial districts.

Ugochinyere called for a revision of the nation’s laws to accommodate these proposed changes.

The visiting lawmakers included Abdulmalik Danga (Kogi), Midala Malami (Borno), Matthew Nwogu (Imo), Peter Aniekwe (Anambra), and Kama Nkemkama (Ebonyi).