Mr. Obasanjo was speaking on Wednesday at the valedictorian service held in memory of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Professor Chinedam Babalola.
He said African cultures typically talk about communism, “uniting together, discussing together, tackling problems together, solving problems together” and stressed the need to rethink democracy.
The former president pointed out that Western liberal democracies are not working for the country.
I have always talked about Western liberal democracies. That doesn’t work for us. It has no effect on those who gave it to us either. The British were complaining. We have to rethink democracy.
“We have to bring our own culture into democracy. African culture doesn’t talk about opposition. It talks about communism. Coming together, thinking together. , we’ll work it out and then we’ll work together,” he said.
Obasanjo said there should be consequences for wrongdoings, adding that there are Nigerians who hold important positions around the world.
“No one will do it for us. We have to do it ourselves and we can do it. I believe there are people everywhere. Just look for them. That’s all you need.
Look today, Africa’s two major development banks are led by Nigerians. The number two woman at the UN is Nigerian Amina Muhammed. That’s why we have people.
They are Nigerians from different parts of Nigeria. We have people. These are the people who can contribute to the change the country needs,” he said.
Mr. Obasanjo described the outgoing Vice-Chancellor as a woman of virtue who displayed great leadership during her seven years at the helm of the university’s affairs.
In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Olatunde Falonbi, said the outgoing Vice-Chancellor had transformed the University into one of the best universities in the country.
In his speech, Mr. Babalola thanked the founder of the university, Dr. Winifred Awosika, for his support during his stay at the university.
She pledged to be available whenever her expertise is needed, praying that the university continues to grow from strength to strength.
