Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that Nigeria’s primary constitutional challenge lies not with the document itself, but with the individuals entrusted with its implementation.
He spoke yesterday at the commencement of a three-day national summit in Abuja focusing on Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.
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Obasanjo emphasised that even an imperfect constitution can facilitate good governance and enhance citizen welfare if properly operated.
Obasanjo’s remarks, delivered by Olawale Okunniyi, the secretary-general of Eminent Patriots, underscored that every constitution, while never flawless, must accurately reflect a nation’s history, aspirations, and constituent parts.
“The best constitution can be perverted and distorted by the operators, and we have experienced that all over Africa; Nigeria is not exempted,” the former president stated, drawing on broad continental experience.
He stressed the critical importance of focusing on those who operate the constitution, as their actions directly impact governance and the well-being of the populace.
Obasanjo issued a stern warning: without a fundamental shift in the conduct of Nigeria’s leadership, the welfare of its citizens will continue to be sacrificed to ‘selfishness, corruption, and impunity.’
“No matter what you do to the Nigerian constitution, if the operators of the constitution, for the past one decade and a half, remain unchanged and continue in the same manner, the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians will continue to be sacrificed on the altar of selfishness,” he reiterated.
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At this pivotal juncture for the nation, Obasanjo urged that rigorous attention be directed towards the integrity, honesty, and adherence to the rule of law among those operating the constitution.
The summit, organised by The Patriots in collaboration with the Nigeria Political Summit Group, aims to deliberate on the future trajectory of Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
