Obasanjo Blasts Nigerian Lawmakers: Describes Constituency Projects As ‘Daylight Robbery’
By Oludare Joshua
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has launched a scathing critique of Nigerian lawmakers, branding them as “much worse” than their predecessors from the First, Second, and Third Republics. In his latest book, “Nigeria Past and Future: Contemplations on Nigeria’s History and Vision For Tomorrow,” Obasanjo decries the conduct of legislators at both national and state levels, characterizing their alleged practices as outright “daylight unarmed robbery” motivated by a relentless pursuit of “illegitimate money.”
In a particularly revealing chapter titled “Lawmakers at Federal and State Levels,” Obasanjo reflects on his experiences with lawmakers during his tenures as a military leader and democratically elected president. He expressed disappointment, noting a lack of redeeming qualities among them to help build the Nigeria envisioned in the constitution.
A Legislative History of Corruption
Recalling the tumultuous passage of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) bill, Obasanjo recounts how it took a year and a half for lawmakers to approve a version heavily diluted from its original form. He revealed that some lawmakers claimed they would face imprisonment if the bill were passed in its initial state. Consequently, Obasanjo felt compelled to sign the compromised version, fearing that any attempt to send it back for revision would lead to its permanent demise.
“The EFCC bill took them a year and a half to pass, and it was somewhat watered down in the form that it was passed,” he stated. “Some of them said that if they passed the bill as I had sent it to them, most of them would go to jail after their term as lawmakers.”
Obasanjo criticized similar legislative manipulations, including the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) bill, which, instead of facilitating contributions from the federal government, oil companies, and affected states for regional development, had its provisions altered due to bribery from state governments.
Insatiable Corruption and Self-Granting Salaries
The former president condemned the insatiable appetite for corruption among contemporary lawmakers, particularly highlighting their disregard for constitutional provisions concerning salary determination. “The lawmakers set aside the provisions of the Constitution and granted themselves obscene salaries and allowances that make them among the highest paid in the developing world,” he said.
During his presidency, Obasanjo resisted releasing funds he deemed unacceptable, facing impeachment threats that did not sway him. “If they could abuse their authority and legitimate breaches, then I had the power to hold the purse and curb their profligacy,” he asserted.
Constituency Projects as Criminal Ventures
Obasanjo also criticized the unilaterally inserted “constituency projects” that lawmakers have championed under the guise of serving their communities. He declared these initiatives as a distortion of the national budget, labeling them as “daylight unarmed robbery.” He recalled that, during his time, such practices were less blatant; however, they have become brazen in the current political landscape, particularly during President Buhari’s administration.
“Their oversight visits are merely a ruse to collect money from ministries,” he lamented, condemning this pervasive misconduct as shockingly detrimental to the nation’s interests.
In Obasanjo’s view, the trajectory of corruption and self-enrichment within Nigeria’s legislative body poses a severe threat to the country, raising questions about the future he envisions for the nation.
