Details of the meeting held 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, has emerged.
In a passionate appeal, Obasanjo urged the Federal Government to listen carefully to the voices of Nigerian youths, whose widespread protests stem from a deep-seated yearning for better governance, enhanced economic opportunities, and an end to the pervasive corruption that has plagued the nation.
“The youths are our future, a vital force for change,” Obasanjo warned, cautioning that ignoring their concerns could have dire consequences, especially in a climate filled with frustration, desperation, anger, and soaring unemployment.
He posed a poignant 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?
“They voice their demands, yet we refuse to listen. Many feel sidelined, disenfranchised, and hopeless. What outcome can we realistically expect?” he added, emphasizing that change in Nigeria depends on a crucial shift in mindset from those in power.
The meeting, which took place on Friday, also tackled a proposed bill for a single six-year presidential term, incorporating a rotational governance structure between the North and South.
On the proposal, Obasanjo firmly stated, “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.
“We must ‘decarbonize’ our brains. A single six-year term could wreak just as much havoc as two four-year terms if our systems remain flawed.”
“If we possess a trustworthy system and a reliable INEC, then the length of the term becomes irrelevant,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ugochinyere passionately championed the adoption of the single six-year presidential term while reiterating the critical importance of establishing a rotational governance structure that benefits both the North and the South.
Joining Ugochinyere in this pivotal discussion were Hon. Abdulmalik Danga, Hon. Midala Malami, Hon. Matthew Nwogu, Hon. Peter Aniekwe, and Hon. Kama Nkemkama.
