Former President Obasanjo Denounces Tinubu Administration Security Failures and National Assembly Salary Determination Practices

Olusegun Obasanjo declares failing governments have no right to exist, citing Nigeria's insecurity and illegal National Assembly salary fixing.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 5:42 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Politics Nigeria

The Fundamental Obligation of State Survival

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo issued a severe indictment of the current political leadership, centering his critique on the deteriorating security landscape. During an interview with News Central Television, Obasanjo argued that the legitimacy of any administration is tied directly to its ability to safeguard the lives and assets of the population. He maintained that a government failing to meet this primary constitutional mandate effectively forfeits its moral and legal authority to remain in power.

Escalating Violence and Public Anxiety

The former president highlighted the surge in kidnappings and killings across various regions of Nigeria as a primary source of national concern. These security challenges, which have persisted under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, were described by Obasanjo as increasingly worrisome. According to Obasanjo, the proliferation of violent crime suggests a breakdown in the essential protections that the state is obligated to provide to its people.

Constitutional Disputes Over Legislative Pay

Beyond security matters, Obasanjo questioned the legal framework governing the financial benefits of Nigeria’s lawmakers. He contended that members of the National Assembly are operating outside of their constitutional boundaries by determining their own wages and emoluments. According to Obasanjo, this practice lacks any legal backing and undermines the fiscal transparency required of the legislative branch.