Olusegun Obasanjo

===First term===
[[File:Seal of the President of Nigeria.svg|thumb|right|[[Seal of the president of Nigeria|Seal of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria]] ]]After having it [[exorcism|exorcised]], Obasanjo moved into the [[Aso Villa|presidential complex]] at [[Aso Rock]] in May.{{sfn|Iliffe|2011|p=176}} On 29 May he took the presidential oath in Abuja's [[Eagle Square, Abuja|Eagle Square]].{{sfn|Iliffe|2011|p=183}} While appointing his new government, he selected an even number of ministers from the north and south of Nigeria, although the fact that a majority were Christian upset some Muslim northerners. Critics generally characterised Obasanjo's cabinet as being too old and conservative, as well as lacking in experience, especially when dealing with economic matters.{{sfn|Iliffe|2011|p=184}} During his first administration the levels of freedom experienced by Nigerians increased; [[freedom of the press]] allowed for considerable criticism of the president.{{sfn|Iliffe|2011|p=195}}

In the initial months of his presidency, Obasanjo retired around 200 military officers, including all 93 who held political positions, thus making a coup by experienced officers less likely.{{sfn|Iliffe|2011|p=183}} He also moved the Defence Ministry from Lagos to Abuja, ensuring it was brought under more direct government control.{{sfn|Iliffe|2011|p=183}}