The Presidency has blamed the current state of Nigeria’s democracy on the actions of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The Presidency’s remark was in response to the comments made on Monday by Mr Obasanjo that several African states operate a flawed system of democracy that does not properly represent the people.
“For those who define it as the rule of the majority, should the minority be ignored, neglected, and excluded?” Mr Obasanjo had said, urging leaders to embrace “Afro democracy” which puts into consideration African history and multicultural complexities.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, responded that the roots of Nigeria’s present democratic system can be traced back to Obasanjo’s tenure as military Head of State from 1976 to 1979 and later as civilian President from 1999 to 2007.
Onanuga made clear that it was Obasanjo who introduced the system of democracy to Nigeria and forced the country to adopt it back in 1979.
“He must have seen it as expensive and unsuitable when he governed us for eight years and even wanted an extension for another four years,” he said.
He added: “So, the way he is sounding, it is like the man is getting ‘wiser’ after leaving office.”
