Veteran journalist and host of Inside Sources on Channels Television, Laolu Akande identified former president Olusegun Obasanjo as the only Nigerian leader with most successes recorded to his name since inception of the fourth republic in 1999.
Akande, who served as a presidential spokesman in the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration made this known while giving in his opening statement on My Take segment of the programme on Friday.
“President Olusegun Obasanjo actually recorded the most significant successes so far between 1999 and 2007, in my view but his major undoing was the chaotic transition he emplaced with his do-or-die 2007 presidential election mantra after the abortive third-time saga.” Akande said while sharing his view on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999.
The former presidential spokesman, however, expressed his reservations on what can be described as the former leader’s legacy on the nation’s democracy.
He said, “Today, Baba Olusegun Obasanjo is lamenting that we need a homegrown form of government, but he’s unwilling to concede that when he had the opportunity to show examples, specifically in terms of political leadership, he did not.”
Speaking further, Akande condemned what he described as an emerging trend among the 36 States governors as he likened them to emperors and tyrants.
“Also, one of the more damaging features of the last 25 years is the rise and rise of many tyrannical state governors.
“Three things define that tyranny, mostly. Number one, the robbing of the local governments of their finances number two, the damage of the independence of state legislators, and number three, the blatant imposition of their successors as if they are indeed emperors.
“As a people, we need to speak out more against this tyranny and even speak out more stridently.” he said.
Concluding his thoughts, Akande urged leaders at all levels of governance to show empathy and sensitivity to plight of the ordinary Nigerian.
“Our political leaders must horridly learn a quick lesson that emotional intelligence is key and that demonstrating sensitivity to the plight of the mass of the Nigerian people is critical.
“Elected political leaders and top government officials should not stand aloof or exhibit lifestyles that doesn’t align with the mood of the nation. After all, we are a democracy.” Akande noted.
