By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that democracy in Africa is failing, citing the frequent use of courts as a tool to deny justice rather than uphold it.

Speaking on the state of governance, Obasanjo criticised politicians who dismiss grievances by telling people to “go to court,” even when they know the legal system is incapable of delivering true justice.

He made this statement on Monday at an event in Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Intercontinental Hotel.

Obasanjo stated that Africa’s adoption of Western-style democracy has not served its citizens effectively, arguing that the system is alien to African values and governance structures.

“Democracy in Africa has failed because it is not African,” he declared.
He expressed concerns that democracy in its current form had devolved into mere representation rather than true governance for the people.
“Democracy has now become representative democracy, and it hasn’t taken care of everyone,” Obasanjo said

He contrasted this with the traditional African systems of governance, which he claimed were more attuned to the needs of the people.
“Abraham Lincoln described democracy as government of the people, by the people, and for the people. But what do we have today? The Greek democracy affected everyone. Now, democracy has become representative democracy, and it has not taken care of everyone,” he stated.

The former president further criticised the lack of justice in the democratic process, particularly regarding electoral disputes.

He lamented the common refrain of “go to court” when citizens seek redress, despite the prevailing lack of confidence in the judiciary.
“You will say, ‘go to court’ when you know that you can’t get justice. Democracy is dying in Africa, and to save it, it should be made in the context of Africa,” he added.

Obasanjo called for a redefinition of democracy that aligns with Africa’s cultural realities and historical governance systems.

“We should remember that in Africa, we had a form of government which attended to the needs of the people. That is democracy,” he added.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has sharply criticized those responsible for managing the AirtelTigo transaction, describing them as “enemies of the state” over the sale of the telecommunications company.

He raised concerns over the decision to sell AirtelTigo—burdened with a GHC3.5 billion debt—for a token price of just one dollar.

Speaking to journalists in Parliament on Monday, March 24, the Minister questioned the patriotism of those who oversaw the process.

“Those who managed the AirtelTigo process are enemies of our state and individuals who have no sense of patriotism. So for anybody to have told us that they bought AirtelTigo for 1 dollar, and now that we have taken over the ministry, ATC (American Tower Company), just one of the companies AirtelTigo owes, has presented us with a bill of 1.5 billion Ghana Cedis,” he stated.
He further disclosed that discussions with the American Embassy brought to light concerns over AirtelTigo’s financial liabilities.