Obasanjo criticizes Lagos-Calabar highway project, calls it ‘wasteful’

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project as wasteful and corrupt.

He also criticized the Bola Tinubu administration for spending N21 billion on a new official residence for Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

Obasanjo made these remarks in chapter six of his new book, Nigeria: Past and Future, which was launched last week in celebration of his 88th birthday.

According to Punch, the former president accused the government of engaging in “transactional” governance, prioritizing personal enrichment over national interest.

“State resources are captured and appropriated, with a pittance given to staff and associates to silence whistleblowers,” he wrote.

He specifically pointed to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the Vice-President’s residence as examples of misplaced priorities.

“The murky Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project has faced widespread protests, yet the President has turned a deaf ear. Similarly, building a new Vice-President’s official residence for N21 billion during an economic crisis is nothing but a showcase of power. What small minds!” he added.

Obasanjo further criticized Nigerian leaders, including governors, ministers, and local government chairmen, for being self-serving and unprepared for governance.

“Many clamoring to lead are only interested in using their offices to enrich themselves and their cronies, leaving the country worse off,” he said.

The former president also reiterated his belief that Western liberal democracy might not be the best governance model for Africa.

“We should seek a democratic system rooted in African history, culture, and characteristics. Until we find a better term, let us call it ‘Afrodemocracy,’” he concluded.