Obasanjo Calls for Competent Operators Over Perfect Constitution in Nigeria
Former President Emphasizes Leadership Quality in Constitutional Governance
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has asserted that Nigeria’s path to good governance doesn’t require a perfect constitution, but rather competent operators who can effectively implement its provisions. This statement came during his keynote address at the National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy held in Abuja.
The Constitution Debate: Implementation Over Perfection
Speaking through his representative, Olawale Okunniyi, Secretary-General of Eminent Patriots, Obasanjo acknowledged that while no constitution is flawless, the critical factor lies in its operators. “From my experience in operating our constitution, I will be the first to point out some areas that need amendment. However, for me, no constitution can ever be regarded as perfect,” he stated.
The former military ruler turned democratic president emphasized that even the best constitution could be undermined by poor implementation. “The best constitution can be perverted and distorted by the operators, and we have experienced that all over Africa, Nigeria not exempted,” Obasanjo warned.
Current Challenges in Constitutional Governance
Obasanjo expressed particular concern about Nigeria’s governance trajectory over the past decade and a half. “No matter what you do to Nigerian constitution, if the operators remain unchanged and continue in the same manner, the welfare of Nigerians will continue to be sacrificed on the altar of selfishness,” he lamented.
He identified several systemic issues plaguing Nigeria’s governance:
- Self-centered leadership
- Rampant corruption
- Culture of impunity
- Disregard for constitutional provisions
- Erosion of moral values in governance
1999 Constitution: A Flawed Foundation?
Former Akwa-Ibom Governor Victor Attah, also represented by Okunniyi, delivered a scathing critique of Nigeria’s current constitution. He described the 1999 document as “a military decree” imposed without popular consent, contrasting it with the suspended 1963 Constitution which he considered Nigeria’s last legitimate constitutional framework.
“The military suspended the 1963 Constitution which remains the last legal expression of our people’s collective will,” Attah stated, adding that Nigeria’s democracy isn’t functioning as intended due to the shift from federalism to a “presidential, unitary system of government.”
Call for Constitutional Restructuring
Attah proposed several fundamental reforms to address Nigeria’s governance challenges:
- Return sovereignty to the people
- Reinstate true federalism with maximum autonomy for states
- Reduce cost of politics to enhance inclusivity
- Establish unicameral legislature
- Limit ministerial appointments to elected representatives
The former governor issued a stark warning: “If we miss this opportunity, the next chapter may be one of irreversible fragmentation. I believe, and I know many of you also believe, that time is running out.”
National Summit Aims for Comprehensive Reform
Senator Gbenga Daniel, co-chairman of the summit’s organizing committee, outlined the event’s ambitious agenda to address Nigeria’s constitutional challenges. The three-day gathering brought together stakeholders from across Nigeria’s geopolitical spectrum to discuss critical national issues.
Key Discussion Areas
The summit focused on several pivotal themes:
- Structure of Nigerian federation
- Role of local governments and traditional institutions
- Resource control and fiscal federalism
- Electoral and judicial reforms
- National security architecture
- Citizenship rights in 21st century democracy
Daniel emphasized the summit’s inclusive nature: “This is multi-generational, spanning different regions, and inclusive of various sectors, truly embodying the Nigeria we aspire to build.”
Path Forward for Constitutional Reform
The former Ogun State governor explained that summit resolutions would be documented and presented to both the presidency and National Assembly. “Our intention is not to foster confrontation but to promote constructive collaboration,” he stated, advocating for evidence-based constitutional reforms.
Daniel called for broad participation in the reform process: “We will work diligently to ensure that no voice is too small and that no group is left behind.” He particularly urged youth, women, civil society, and traditional leaders to engage actively in shaping Nigeria’s constitutional future.
Conclusion: A Nation at Constitutional Crossroads
As Nigeria grapples with mounting governance challenges, the summit represents a significant effort to address fundamental constitutional questions. While Obasanjo’s emphasis on leadership quality offers one perspective, calls for structural reforms from figures like Attah highlight the complex nature of Nigeria’s governance dilemma.
The coming months will reveal whether these discussions translate into concrete constitutional changes or remain another chapter in Nigeria’s ongoing governance debate. What remains clear is that Nigeria’s constitutional future will significantly impact its democratic stability and national cohesion.
Source: Premium Times