Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not its constitution but the poor leadership and self-serving individuals in charge of its implementation.
Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of a three-day national summit on the future of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy in Abuja, Obasanjo, represented by Olawale Okunniyi, secretary-general of Eminent Patriots, argued that while the constitution may have imperfections, it remains sufficient to guarantee good governance — if implemented with sincerity.
“The best constitution can be perverted and distorted by the operators, and we have experienced that all over Africa; Nigeria is not exempted,” Obasanjo stated.
He noted that no constitutional amendment can bring about the desired national progress if those in leadership remain selfish and corrupt.
“No matter what you do to the Nigerian constitution, if the operators remain unchanged and continue in the same manner, the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians will continue to be sacrificed on the altar of selfishness.”
The former president also stressed that while the constitution must reflect Nigeria’s history and diversity, it is ultimately vulnerable to manipulation by leaders who lack integrity.
Obasanjo called for a renewed focus on accountability, honesty, and respect for the rule of law by political leaders.
“As we reflect on the future of constitutional democracy in Nigeria, let us remember that the document itself is only as good as the people who bring it to life.”
The summit attracted participants from the political, legal, and civil society communities, with discussions centred on Nigeria’s democratic journey and pathways to strengthen constitutional governance.
