By Abiola Olawale
A former two term president and one time military Head of State, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has asserted that if the democratic system were operational in Nigeria, numerous political leaders would rightfully be serving prison sentences.
Obasanjo, who spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while playing host to six members of the House of Representatives, said the character of some Nigerian leaders is questionable.
Six members of the House of Representatives led by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere visited former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Friday.
Ugochinyere, who represents the Ideato North/South federal constituency of Imo State in the House of Representatives, arrived at Obasanjo’s residence at around 1 pm.
Hon. Peter Aniekwe, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, Hon. Abdulmaleek Danga, Hon. Midala Usman, and Hon. Kama Nkemkanma, were also present at the former President’s residence.
Addressing the lawmakers, the former president said the way democracy is being practised in Nigeria has emboldened some corrupt leaders to continue practising their alleged crimes.
He maintained that until Nigeria starts putting corrupt leaders in jail, people in government will always find a way to cheat the system.
He said: “So, the very beginning is ourselves, yes system, yes we have to rethink our democracy but the character of people in government must change. With all due respect, most of those in government should right now be behind bars or in gallows.
“The issue for me, if we get it right, whether we have a single term of six years or two terms of four years, is that we must decarbonise our brains and mentality.
“Look if you give him a single term of six years, he can go ahead and still do the evil he would have done in a case of two terms of four years. The only difference is that he would have done that within six years and not four years and that is if he is not reelected for another four years.
“To me, this is not our problem. Our main problem is ourselves, and until we take care of ourselves if we like, let us adopt a single term of six years, one term of four years among others with the same mentality and the same way of doing things; nothing will change,” Obasanjo stated.
