Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has likened the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to the era of the late former Head of state, Sani Abacha.
Mr Obasanjo made this comparison on Sunday in his 16-page address, titled “Points for concern and action,” to journalists at his residence in the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
“Today, another Abacha Era is here. The security institutions are being misused to fight all critics and opponents of Buhari and to derail our fledging democracy.
“EFCC , Police, and Code of Conduct Tribunal are also being equally misused to deal with those Buhari sees as enemies for criticising him or as those who may not do his bidding in manipulating to election results,” Obasanjo said.
The former president said he decided to speak on the state of the nation because he is concerned over what he described as a dangerous trend ahead of the general elections.
“I am concerned as a democrat who believes that with faithful and diligent practice of democracy, we can overcome most of our political problems and move steadfastly and surefootedly on the course of stability, unity of purpose, socio-economic growth and progress for all,” he said.
He also attacked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing the officials as people of no integrity .
He said, “Democracy becomes a sham if elections are carried out by people who should be impartial and neutral umpires, but who show no integrity, acting with blatant partiality, duplicity and imbecility.
“For all democrats and those carrying out the process of elections, there must be the red line that must not be crossed in tactics and practices of democracy.
“I personally have serious doubt about the present INEC’s integrity, impartiality and competence to conduct a fair, free and credible election.”
