Nigerians Don’t Need Obasanjo, Obi, Or Others To Tell Them Democracy Isn’t Working – Activist Gbemre

Activist Zik Gbemre Speaks Out on Nigeria’s Political Leaders

A prominent Niger Delta activist, Zik Gbemre, has made bold statements, arguing that former President Olusegun Obasanjo and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi do not have the moral authority to criticize the state of democracy in Nigeria. Gbemre suggests that these leaders are part of the very political system they now criticize, making their opinions less credible.

Are Obasanjo and Obi Part of the Problem?

Gbemre asserts that both Obasanjo and Obi belong to the political class responsible for the current challenges in Nigeria. According to him, these leaders have been deeply involved in the corruption and mismanagement that have plagued the nation's democratic process. He questions Obasanjo’s right to criticize the failure of democracy when he himself had the opportunity to implement meaningful reforms during his presidency.

“Nigerians don’t need Obasanjo, Obi, or anyone else to lecture us about how democracy isn’t working in Nigeria,” Gbemre said in a recent interview with Vanguard. “These leaders have been instrumental in corrupting our democracy into a system of dirty politics. They’ve hijacked leadership roles for personal gain, and now they’re trying to tell us something we already know—that democracy isn’t working. The real issue is not democracy but the lack of good governance.”

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What Nigeria Needs: Responsible Leadership

Gbemre emphasizes that Nigeria’s problems stem not from the democratic system itself but from the absence of credible and accountable leaders. He argues that until politicians stop treating public funds as personal wealth and become more responsible, Nigeria will continue to struggle with its democratic process.

“What Nigeria lacks is responsible leadership at all levels,” Gbemre explains. “Until politicians stop looting treasuries, until they become accountable, and until the rule of law prevails, we won’t experience enduring democracy. Obasanjo, who now claims democracy doesn’t work in Nigeria, didn’t do much when he had the chance to make it work. For instance, how did he set up the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)? It was supposed to focus on the South-South region, but power brokers manipulated it to include the South-East and South-West regions. That’s just one example of how his administration failed to prioritize the needs of the people.”

Obasanjo’s Unfulfilled Promises

Gbemre also points out several missed opportunities during Obasanjo’s presidency. He criticizes the former president for failing to build functional refineries or modernize existing ones, expand power infrastructure, and develop a nationwide railway system. Instead, Obasanjo’s administration saw multinational companies like Dunlop, Michelin, Shell, and Chevron divesting from Nigeria due to harsh economic conditions.

“Obasanjo had the chance to transform Nigeria,” Gbemre continues. “He could have built railways connecting every corner of the country, expanded our power infrastructure, and made life better for Nigerians. But none of that happened. In fact, under his watch, we saw the impeachment of Senate presidents and speakers, the invasion of civil communities, and even the declaration of a state of emergency. The Odi massacre, where soldiers were ordered to invade and devastate Odi in Bayelsa State, happened under his leadership. And let’s not forget how he orchestrated the impeachment of former Bayelsa State governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.”

In conclusion, Gbemre’s message is clear: Nigeria doesn’t need more talk about the failures of democracy. What it needs is leaders who are committed to good governance, accountability, and the welfare of the people. Until then, the cycle of corruption and mismanagement will continue to haunt the nation.