Former President Obasanjo calls for sack of Mahmood Yakubu, other INEC leaders at federal, states, LGs

 In the ever-evolving political landscape of Nigeria, former President Olusegun Obasanjo's recent call for the removal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has once again thrown his legacy into the spotlight. This call has reignited debates over governance, electoral integrity, and Obasanjo's significant impact on Nigeria's socio-economic fabric.

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Obasanjo's presidency from 1999 to 2007 is often lauded for its economic initiatives, particularly securing debt forgiveness from the Paris Club. This monumental achievement provided Nigeria with a fresh start, alleviating the burden of external debt that had long stifled growth. Further, his administration's economic policies were aimed at fostering a more robust economy, which saw an increase in GDP growth rates in the early 2000s.

Institutionally, Obasanjo's tenure marked the founding of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This body was established to combat corruption, a pervasive issue in Nigerian politics and society. Critics and supporters alike acknowledge this as a bold move towards transparency, although the effectiveness and impartiality of the EFCC have been topics of debate over the years.

Infrastructure and Development

Under Obasanjo, Nigeria saw efforts at infrastructure development, with notable achievements in telecommunications. The liberalization of this sector led to an explosion in mobile phone usage, catalyzing economic and social changes. However, the power sector reforms during his time are often criticized for not achieving the desired transformation in electricity supply, an issue that continues to hinder Nigeria's development.

The Shadow of Election Controversy

The narrative around Obasanjo's legacy is not without its shadows, particularly concerning the 2007 elections. Supervised by Maurice Iwu, these elections have been described as some of the most flawed in Nigeria's history, casting a long shadow over Obasanjo's commitment to democratic principles. This historical context provides critics with ammunition when Obasanjo comments on current electoral issues, branding his critique as potentially hypocritical.

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The debate over Obasanjo's legacy is polarized. His supporters highlight his role in stabilizing Nigeria post-military rule, his peace initiatives across Africa, and his efforts in economic reform. They see his recent political activism as a continuation of his dedication to Nigeria's betterment.

On the other side, detractors argue that his interventions might be self-serving. They question the sincerity of his criticisms, especially given his own administration's record with elections. There's also scrutiny over his handling of the privatization of state assets and the broader economic policies that some argue benefited a select few.

Today, Obasanjo's comments on INEC and election integrity resonate with a populace weary of electoral malpractices. His ability to influence public discourse underscores his significant role in Nigerian politics, even post-presidency. However, this influence also invites critique on how much former leaders should involve themselves in current political affairs, especially when their past records are contentious.

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Olusegun Obasanjo remains a towering figure in Nigerian politics, whose legacy is as complex as the country's own intricate socio-political tapestry. His contributions to economic stability and institution-building are undeniable, yet his tenure also saw significant governance lapses, particularly in the realm of electoral credibility. As Nigeria continues to navigate its path towards democracy, Obasanjo's legacy serves as both a blueprint and a cautionary tale for future leaders. His recent call for INEC leadership change might be seen as a push for reform, but it equally reignites the debate over how history judges his own contributions to Nigeria's democratic journey.