Details have emerged from a recent meeting between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and a delegation of six House of Representatives members, led by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, at his residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
During the meeting, Obasanjo made a passionate appeal to the Federal Government, urging them to listen to the voices of Nigerian youths. He emphasized that the widespread protests are a result of deep frustrations over poor governance, lack of economic opportunities, and rampant corruption in the country.
“The youths are our future, a vital force for change,” Obasanjo stated, warning that ignoring their concerns could lead to serious consequences, especially in an environment filled with frustration, desperation, anger, and high unemployment.
He posed a crucial question: “You are who you are today because you’re a Nigerian; I am who I am for the same reason. So why should our youth suffer in poverty merely for being Nigerians?”
Obasanjo emphasized that although the youths are expressing their demands, the government has refused to listen, leading many to feel marginalized and hopeless. He stressed that real change in Nigeria requires a shift in the mindset of those in power.
The meeting, held on Friday, also covered a proposed bill advocating for a single six-year presidential term with a rotational governance structure between the North and South.
On this proposal, Obasanjo remarked, “The priority is not merely the length of the term, but ensuring we get it right. Whether we choose one six-year term or two four-year terms, our success hinges on our mentality.”
He added, “We must ‘decarbonize’ our brains. A single six-year term could cause as much harm as two four-year terms if our systems remain flawed.”
Obasanjo further noted that if Nigeria had a trustworthy system and a reliable electoral commission (INEC), the length of the presidential term would become less significant.
Hon. Ugochinyere, during the discussion, strongly supported the idea of a single six-year presidential term and reiterated the importance of establishing a rotational governance system that benefits both the North and South.
Joining Ugochinyere in this important discussion were Hon. Abdulmalik Danga, Hon. Midala Malami, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, and Hon. Kama Nkemkama.
