Activist lawyer Malcolm Omirhobo blames Obasanjo for laying roots of Nigeria’s security crisis

Human rights lawyer, Chief Malcolm Emokiniovio Omirhobo, has issued a strongly worded statement accusing former President Olusegun Obasanjo of playing a significant role in the emergence of Nigeria’s longstanding security challenges.

In a press release titled “Obasanjo Cannot Rewrite History: How His Political Cowardice Helped Lay the Foundation for Nigeria’s Present Insecurity,” Omirhobo criticised Obasanjo’s recent comments supporting Nigerians who seek foreign assistance in addressing the country’s security crisis, describing them as “deeply ironic.”

According to Omirhobo, the insecurity ravaging Nigeria today did not occur by accident, but is the culmination of years of “governmental negligence, political compromise, and constitutional violations.” He argued that Obasanjo’s actions and inactions during his tenure contributed significantly to the current state of affairs.

A major focus of Omirhobo’s criticism was the adoption of Sharia criminal justice systems by 12 northern states between 1999 and 2000. He faulted Obasanjo for failing to defend the 1999 Constitution, which defines Nigeria as a secular state, and for dismissing the development as “political Sharia.”

“Rather than confront the governors involved,” he stated, “Obasanjo chose silence, allowing a parallel criminal justice system to flourish. His refusal to act decisively was not statesmanlike—it was political expediency aimed at securing his second-term ambition.”

Omirhobo outlined several long-term consequences he believes emerged from Obasanjo’s handling of the Sharia controversy, including the rise of extremist ideologies, erosion of federal authority, deepening religious divisions, and the empowerment of non-state actors.

He argued that these developments created “fertile ground” for the terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, and sectarian conflicts that continue to plague Nigeria.

“It is hypocritical,” the lawyer added, “for Obasanjo to now assume the role of a neutral adviser on insecurity when his compromises helped shape the crisis.”

Omirhobo insisted that Nigeria cannot afford “historical revisionism” at a time of national turmoil, stressing that leaders must take responsibility for decisions that have weakened the country.

Looking ahead, he called on the federal government to reaffirm constitutional supremacy, strengthen national institutions, dismantle parallel legal systems, and ensure accountability for past and present leaders.

“Only then,” he said, “can the foundations for genuine peace and unity be rebuilt.”

As of press time, former President Obasanjo had not responded to the allegations raised in the statement.