Obasanjo Blasts Tinubu Government Over Insecurity, Says Failure to Protect Lives Questions Legitimacy

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has delivered a sharp rebuke of the current administration, warning that a government that cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens risks losing its moral right to govern.

Speaking during an interview, Obasanjo took aim at the leadership of Bola Tinubu amid growing concerns over insecurity across the country, including killings and abductions in several regions.

“Let me tell you, the government that cannot give security of life and property of its citizen has no right of existence,” the former leader said, underlining what he described as a fundamental duty of any government.

His comments come as Nigeria continues to grapple with persistent security challenges, ranging from banditry to kidnappings, which have strained public confidence in the ability of authorities to maintain order.

Beyond security, Obasanjo also criticised the role of lawmakers, accusing members of the National Assembly of Nigeria of overstepping their bounds by determining their own salaries and benefits.

He argued that such powers do not lie within the legislature, insisting that remuneration should be handled by the appropriate constitutional body.

“It’s not in our constitution for them to do that. It’s the revenue mobilization and allocation commission that should do it,” he said, referring to the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission.

The former president’s remarks reflect broader frustrations among citizens over governance, accountability, and the handling of national security.

While the Tinubu administration has repeatedly pledged to tackle insecurity, critics argue that results have been slow, with many communities still facing daily threats.

Obasanjo’s intervention is likely to reignite debate over leadership priorities and the effectiveness of current strategies to address Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.