Insecurity: Any Government Unable to Protect Lives Has Lost Moral Legitimacy — Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has strongly criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over worsening insecurity in the country, warning that any government incapable of safeguarding lives and property has lost its moral right to exist.

Obasanjo made the remarks in an interview with News Central, reacting to the recent surge in killings and abductions across Nigeria, which have sparked renewed public concern over national security.

According to him, the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of its citizens, stressing that failure in that regard undermines its legitimacy.

“Let me tell you, the government that cannot guarantee the security of life and property of its citizens has no right of existence,” he said.

The former president also faulted the current system that allows lawmakers to determine their own salaries and allowances, describing it as unconstitutional.

He argued that such responsibilities should rest with the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), not the National Assembly.

“The elected members of our National Assembly have no right to fix their own salary and their own emoluments. It’s not in our constitution for them to do that. It is the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission that should do it,” Obasanjo added.

His comments come amid heightened concerns over insecurity in several parts of the country, with repeated incidents of violence, kidnappings, and communal attacks.

The Presidency is yet to respond to the remarks as of the time of filing this report.