Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has criticised the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as persistent insecurity across the country, warning that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of any government.
Obasanjo made the remarks during an interview with News Central Television, where he expressed concern over the increasing cases of killings and kidnappings reported in various parts of Nigeria. According to him, the situation has become alarming and requires urgent and decisive action from authorities.
The former president stated that no government that fails to guarantee the safety of its citizens should expect to retain legitimacy, emphasizing that security is the fundamental basis of governance.
“The growing killings and kidnappings are worrisome,” Obasanjo said, adding that citizens must be able to live without fear in their communities.
He stressed that ensuring safety is not optional but a constitutional and moral obligation, noting that failure in this regard undermines public trust in leadership and governance.
In addition to his comments on insecurity, Obasanjo also criticised members of the National Assembly over issues relating to their remuneration. He argued that lawmakers do not have the constitutional authority to determine their own salaries and allowances.
“The elected members of our National Assembly have no right to fix their own salary and their own emoluments,” he said.
According to him, the responsibility for determining the remuneration of political office holders lies with the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), as provided by law.
“It’s not in our constitution for them to do that. It’s the revenue mobilisation and allocation commission that should do it,” Obasanjo added.
His remarks come amid ongoing discussions around the welfare and compensation of public officials in Nigeria, a topic that has frequently generated debate among citizens and policy analysts.
The RMAFC had earlier disclosed in February that it had completed a new remuneration package for political office holders. According to the commission, the proposal has already been forwarded to the presidency through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) for consideration and approval.
The commission’s move is seen as part of efforts to review and standardise the earnings of elected and appointed officials in line with current economic realities.
Obasanjo’s comments on both insecurity and legislative remuneration highlight broader concerns about governance, accountability, and institutional responsibility in Nigeria.
Security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence, have remained a major issue confronting successive administrations, with citizens and stakeholders repeatedly calling for more effective strategies to address the situation.
Similarly, debates over the salaries and allowances of lawmakers have continued to attract public scrutiny, particularly in the context of economic hardship and calls for prudent management of public resources.
While the presidency has yet to officially respond to Obasanjo’s latest remarks, political observers note that statements from former leaders often carry significant weight in national discourse and can influence public opinion on governance issues.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with security and economic challenges, the former president’s comments are likely to add to ongoing conversations about the performance of public institutions and the responsibilities of those in positions of authority.
