During an interview on Trust TV on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Engr. Nurudeen Hamman Yero, former naval officer and public affairs analyst, spoke about Nigeria’s security situation and suggested that former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s experience could be useful in addressing some of the country’s current challenges.
Hamman-Yero reflected on the early years of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, arguing that the country experienced relatively greater stability during parts of Obasanjo’s administration despite the challenges associated with the return to democratic rule in 1999. He noted that the transition from military to civilian government came with several difficulties but maintained that the situation was managed effectively.
The public affairs analyst suggested that the federal government could benefit from drawing on the experience of former leaders who had previously navigated similar national challenges.
According to him, “We’re lucky to have Obasanjo alive. Maybe this government should consult him because he seems to have gotten it right. 2002 was relatively peaceful, 2003 was relatively peaceful, and even when we took over democracy in 1999, it came with a lot of crises.”
Hamman-Yero argued that Obasanjo’s administration faced significant hurdles during the country’s transition to democratic governance but was able to maintain stability in many areas. He stated that lessons from that period could provide useful insights for policymakers confronting contemporary security and governance issues.
He further maintained that consulting experienced statesmen should not be viewed as a sign of weakness but as an opportunity to benefit from institutional memory and practical knowledge. According to him, governments often achieve better outcomes when they are willing to learn from past experiences and adopt successful strategies.