Obasanjo Slams Tinubu Administration, Calls Lagos-Calabar Highway a “Wasteful, Corrupt Venture”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly criticized the N15.6 trillion Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, labeling it a reckless misuse of resources and a breeding ground for corruption.
In his newly released book, Nigeria: Past and Future, launched last week in celebration of his 88th birthday, Obasanjo also condemned the Bola Tinubu administration’s decision to spend N21 billion on a new official residence for Vice-President Kashim Shettima.
According to Punch, the former president argued that the government’s actions reflect a continuation of “transactional” leadership, where personal gain takes precedence over national progress. He described the prevailing mindset in the administration as one of entitlement, stating, “It is my turn to chop.”
Obasanjo did not hold back in his assessment of the government’s spending decisions, particularly highlighting the controversial Lagos-Calabar highway project and the Vice-President’s new residence.
“Typical examples of waste, corruption, and misplaced priorities are the murky Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, on which the President has turned a deaf ear to protests, and the N21 billion residence for the Vice-President—built during an economic crisis just to make a statement. What small minds!” he wrote.
The former leader further accused Nigerian politicians—from governors to ministers and local government chairmen—of being unprepared for leadership, self-serving, and primarily focused on amassing wealth at the nation’s expense.
“Many who clamor for leadership are only interested in enriching themselves and their cronies, leaving the country worse off,” he stated.
Revisiting a long-standing argument, Obasanjo reiterated that Western-style democracy may not be suitable for Africa. Instead, he proposed the need for a system tailored to the continent’s unique history, culture, and values.
“We should seek democracy within African history, culture, attributes, and characteristics—one that considers necessary African factors. Until we find a better name for it, let’s call it Afrodemocracy,” he suggested.
