Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized President Muhammadu Buhari for his economic management and spending habits. In an exclusive interview with TheCable, Obasanjo expressed surprise at Buhari's lack of understanding of economics and called him "reckless."
Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria's president from 1999 to 2007, pointed to Buhari's spending on servicing debts, noting that he never spent as much during his presidency. He also criticized Buhari for not seeking debt relief, a strategy Obasanjo used during his tenure to alleviate Nigeria's debt burden.
Additionally, Obasanjo highlighted his efforts to reform the power sector during his presidency, noting that many challenges persist in the sector today. He revealed that he attempted to hand over some of the country's refineries to private investors but was met with resistance.
Regarding the state of democracy in Africa, Obasanjo shared his concerns about the rise of military coups, particularly among younger leaders. He suggested that African countries need to rethink their approach to democracy, as the liberal democracy practiced in Western nations may not be suitable for African contexts.
Obasanjo also touched on various other topics, including the Mambilla hydropower project and the challenges facing Nigeria's economy.
This interview comes at a time when Nigeria faces economic difficulties, high debt levels, and increasing public scrutiny of the government's financial decisions. Obasanjo's remarks add to the ongoing discussions about the country's economic policies and governance.
Note: The content of this report is based on an interview conducted by TheCable