Regionalism is root of Nigeria’s problems – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the principle of regionalism, describing it as the underlying cause of Nigerias ongoing challenges.  Speaking on Tuesday, October 22, in Abeokuta during a visit by the League of Northern Democrats, Obasanjo lamented that the regionalism adopted at independence in 1960 continues to hinder the nations progress. Addressing the group led by former Kano State governor Ibrahim Shekarau, Obasanjo emphasized that a leaders origin should not matter, but rather their contributions to national development and governance. Where a leader hails from does not matter. Rather, what he brings to the table in terms of development and governance should matter, Obasanjo said. The former president also urged the group to adopt a more inclusive name, suggesting they become a “National League of Democrats” rather than a regional group focused on the North. He argued that Nigerias fixation on regional divisionswhether North, East, or Westhas perpetuated the countrys problems. One of the things that led us to where we are today, and we havent gotten out of, is regionalism. Whenever I hear North, East or West, I get frightened, Obasanjo said. While acknowledging the group’s concerns about Nigerias political landscape, Obasanjo stressed the importance of correcting these wrongs with a national outlook. The post Regionalism is root of Nigerias problems – Obasanjo appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.