President Bola Tinubu is being urged by many Nigerians to adopt the tough and decisive approach of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in tackling the nation's security challenges. Just as Obasanjo did during his tenure, Tinubu cannot promise to give Nigeria everything, but he can promise to give the country leadership. He must use his powers to eradicate the insanity that breeds insecurity, which would be the true definition of the rule of law. He should not be intimidated by emergency activists who claim democracy is in danger or that the rule of law is being violated. No nation truly progresses if it allows miscreants and anarchy to flourish in the name of democracy.
Obasanjo's Legacy of Decisive Action
During his 1999-2007 presidency, Obasanjo made it clear that there would be no business as usual. He famously stated that while he could not promise Nigeria everything, he could promise leadership. In 2007, he emphasized that a focused leader faces pressure, intimidation, and blackmail, but he was too big to be pocketed. Many Nigerians now reference these statements as they call on Tinubu to act similarly.
Obasanjo's administration was marked by extreme use of executive power. Governors reportedly needed clear permission from the Commander-in-Chief to travel abroad. A notable example was the 'Odi Massacre' on 20 November 1999, when, on his orders, Nigerian Armed Forces wiped out everything in Odi, Bayelsa State, after a gang killed policemen and soldiers. When questioned, Obasanjo said the police and soldiers were his instruments for maintaining law and order, and after they were killed, he could not simply fold his hands. This decisive action caused fear for years.
Strong Institutions and Anti-Crime Measures
Obasanjo also took an uncompromising stance against the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), ordering that any criminal be shot at sight and any OPC member who resisted arrest be shot. He declared that hoodlums and criminals should not take over the country. His administration featured powerful institutions like the EFCC, which handcuffed the Inspector General of Police and disgraced a sitting Senate President. The courts secured convictions, including that of IGP Tafa Balogun. Obasanjo also had five different Senate Presidents in six years, with his vice president, Atiku Abubakar, facing investigative panels and humiliation.
Now, Gen Zs and other Nigerians calling for Tinubu to follow this path must be ready for the experiences involved. Notably, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the current National Security Adviser, served as EFCC boss under Obasanjo and ensured the public handcuffing and jailing of an IGP. He is expected to support Tinubu in fighting insecurity fearlessly.
A Call for Tinubu to Act Decisively
In support of calls for Tinubu to be strict on bandits and terrorists like Obasanjo, it is urged that he utilize all state institutions to humiliate and neutralize hoodlums, bandits, and criminals, including their sponsors. The EFCC should be made more powerful than during Ribadu's days to arrest, prosecute, and jail terrorist sponsors. It should serve as a weapon against unpatriotic politicians and public office holders. NAFDAC should be empowered like under late Professor Dora Akunyili to work with NDLEA to flush out narcotics used by criminals.
Like Obasanjo, Tinubu cannot promise Nigeria everything, but he can promise leadership. He must use his powers to flush out the insanity breeding insecurity, defining the rule of law. He should not be intimidated by emergency activists who cry wolf over democracy. No nation progresses if it allows miscreants and anarchy in the name of democracy. Even the world's heart of democracy defined its system to suit its culture. Nigeria must define its own style of democracy now. Enough is enough.
Chukwuemerie Uduchukwu writes from Abuja, Nigeria.
