‘What Small Minds’, Obasanjo Blasts Tinubu Over N15.6trn Coastal Highway, N21bn VP Residence

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly criticized the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project and the N21 billion allocation for the construction of a new official residence for Vice President Kashim Shettima under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Obasanjo has described both projects as wasteful and corrupt, questioning the priorities of the government amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic difficulties.

In his newly released book, ‘Nigeria: Past and Future’, which was unveiled to mark his 88th birthday, Obasanjo condemned the Tinubu government for what he termed “transactional governance,” where state resources are allegedly siphoned off for personal gain under the guise of leadership. The former president pointed out that state resources are being captured and appropriated, with “a pittance to staff and associates” to suppress dissent.

Obasanjo particularly targeted the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, labeling it a “murky” initiative. He criticized the President for ignoring public protests against the project and for approving a new official residence for the Vice President at a time when many Nigerians are struggling with economic hardship. He described the N21 billion spent on the new VP residence as a wasteful expenditure given the country’s financial situation.

“Typical examples of waste, corruption, and misplaced priority are the murky Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road on which the President had turned deaf ears to protests and the new Vice-President’s official residence built at a cost of N21bn in the time of economic hardship to showcase the administration hitting the ground running and to show the importance of the office of the Vice-President. What small minds!” Obasanjo wrote.

Further expanding on his critique of Nigeria’s leadership, Obasanjo questioned the preparedness and intentions of those in power, from presidents to local government officials. He claimed many of them were more interested in enriching themselves and their associates than serving the public and improving the country.

“Many clamouring to lead are only interested in using their offices to enrich themselves and their cronies, leaving the country worse off,” Obasanjo added.

In addition to his criticism of the current administration, Obasanjo reiterated his longstanding belief that Western-style liberal democracy may not be the best system for Africa. He proposed the concept of Afrodemocracy, a governance model rooted in African history, culture, and socio-political realities, suggesting it could better address the continent’s unique challenges.

Obasanjo’s remarks have reignited debates about governance, accountability, and the need for a political system that aligns with Africa’s diverse realities. However, as of the time of writing, the Tinubu administration had not yet responded to the former president’s criticisms.