By Newspointer
The Presiding Bishop of the Old Catholic Apostolic Church, Nigeria (OCAC), Most Rev. Dr. Raphael Oluwaseun Fagbohun, has urged the Federal Government to draw lessons from the leadership style and reforms of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to confront Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and corruption.
Bishop Fagbohun made the call during activities marking his 22nd priestly ordination anniversary and 11th Episcopal Installation Anniversary as pioneer bishop of OCAC-Nigeria. He said the nation’s current challenges demand decisive leadership, strong institutions and moral courage.
According to him, Nigeria’s political and economic stability under Obasanjo—both as Military Head of State and later as a civilian president—remains among the most impactful periods in the country’s history, demonstrating how political will and discipline can yield measurable gains.
He cited Nigeria’s historic foreign debt relief achieved during the Obasanjo administration, which reduced the nation’s debt burden from about $36 billion in 1999 to roughly $3.6 billion by 2007, freeing resources for development. The cleric said the feat underscored how credible leadership and fiscal discipline could ease today’s economic pressures if properly applied.
“The current economic hardship, driven by corruption and insecurity, can be reversed if those in authority embrace transparency and accountability the way it was done in the past,” he said.
On anti-corruption, Bishop Fagbohun recalled the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), describing them as bold steps that strengthened public accountability. He warned that weakening or politicising such institutions fuels corruption and insecurity.
The bishop also highlighted the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector in 2001, which ushered in GSM services and created millions of jobs, stressing that inclusive economic policies remain vital to tackling youth unemployment and crime.
He further referenced reforms such as banking consolidation, the creation of the Excess Crude Account and prudent fiscal management, which boosted Nigeria’s foreign reserves from about $3.7 billion to over $45 billion by 2007, helping to stabilise the economy.
On security, Fagbohun recalled police reforms under Obasanjo, including the introduction of the Chaplaincy system in the Nigeria Police Force to address officers’ moral and psychological wellbeing—an often-overlooked aspect of national security.
In the area of democracy, he praised Obasanjo for becoming the first Nigerian military ruler to voluntarily hand over power to a civilian government in 1979, a move he said strengthened democratic culture and political stability.
He also pointed to Obasanjo’s regional and international diplomacy—particularly in conflict resolution in Liberia and the Democratic Republic of Congo—and efforts to strengthen the African Union and NEPAD, noting that effective leadership enhances national prestige and security.
The bishop urged current leaders to revisit earlier initiatives such as Universal Primary Education, Operation Feed the Nation and strategic infrastructure development, stressing that education, food security and infrastructure are central to addressing insecurity.
Describing Obasanjo’s legacy as rooted in courage, reform and statesmanship, Bishop Fagbohun said Nigeria’s pathway out of corruption and insecurity lies in strong institutions, accountable leadership and moral renewal.
“The challenges confronting Nigeria today are not insurmountable. What is required is leadership with vision, integrity and the courage to place national interest above personal gain,” he added.
He said the anniversary celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on leadership and service, while reminding government, religious bodies and citizens of their shared responsibility in rebuilding the nation.
