Nigeria’s deep-rooted challenges require long-term solutions, says Opadokun
General Secretary of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Chief Ayo Opadokun, has urged Nigerians to temper expectations of President Bola Tinubu, saying the country’s deep-seated problems cannot be resolved in just three years.
Speaking on Thursday at the launch of his book, The Gun Hegemony, at the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, Opadokun highlighted that Nigeria has been misgoverned for about 57 of its 65 years of independence, largely due to prolonged military intervention and its lingering influence on civilian administrations.
“The military governed directly for 29 years between 1966 and 1979, and again from 1983 to 1999. When they returned to civilian rule through leaders like Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, they added another 16 years, bringing the total to 44 years,” Opadokun said. “Adding the years of civilian administrations under Shagari, Yar’Adua, and Jonathan, Nigeria has effectively been governed by the same political tendencies for 57 years.”
Opadokun argued that blaming President Tinubu for Nigeria’s present challenges ignores the historical context of decades of military domination and its enduring legacy. He defended the administration’s economic reforms, particularly the four tax bills aimed at addressing longstanding inequities in the system.
On security, Opadokun acknowledged worsening threats but noted they must be understood within both domestic and regional contexts, citing developments in the Sahel region as a factor.
The event attracted a number of dignitaries, including representatives of President Tinubu and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Chief Emeka Anyaoku, publisher Sam Amuka-Pemu, and traditional leaders.
Speakers at the event, including Anyaoku and Amuka-Pemu, echoed Opadokun’s view that the military’s historical dominance has shaped Nigeria’s political and economic landscape, calling for a new federal constitution that reflects the country’s pluralism. Bishop Hassan Kukah of Sokoto also stressed that good governance is essential to prevent a return of military influence.
President Tinubu, in a message delivered by his Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, praised Opadokun for his patriotism and commitment to democracy, while Governor Sanwo-Olu and other dignitaries lauded the author’s work in preserving Nigeria’s historical and political narrative.
