Former President Olusegun Obasanjo
Obasanjo: Good Governance Lies in Leadership, Not Just the Constitution
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that Nigeria’s problem is not the absence of a perfect constitution, but the failure of those who operate it to deliver good governance and prioritize the wellbeing of citizens.
Obasanjo made the remark in a message delivered on his behalf during the opening of a three-day National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy, held in Abuja on Wednesday. His remarks were read by Olawale Okunniyi, Secretary-General of the Eminent Patriots.
According to the former president, while constitutional flaws exist and amendments may be necessary, no constitution can function effectively in the hands of leaders who distort its purpose.
He said he had observed that Nigeria’s constitution, like many others, has its weaknesses, but stressed that it is ultimately the quality and character of those in charge that determine whether citizens benefit from governance.
“The most important issue is the operators of the constitution,” Obasanjo noted, adding that even the best constitution can be undermined by selfishness, impunity, and corruption. He warned that unless those in power are held to higher standards, constitutional amendments alone will not improve the lives of Nigerians.
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Also speaking at the summit, former Akwa Ibom Governor Victor Attah, whose remarks were also delivered by Okunniyi, criticised the 1999 Constitution, calling it a document imposed by the military without the people’s consent.
He argued that the constitution has failed to reflect the will of Nigerians and advocated for a return to true federalism anchored on justice, equity, and mutual agreement among the country’s regions.
Attah warned that unless the country restructures its system of governance to restore power to the people and reduce the cost of politics, the path ahead may lead to irreversible fragmentation. He said only fairness and inclusiveness, not fear or force can preserve Nigeria’s unity.
The summit, described by its organisers as a citizen-led intervention, also featured remarks by Senator Gbenga Daniel, who said it aimed to address key issues such as governance structure, local government, security, electoral reforms, and national cohesion.
Daniel, who chairs the Senate Committee on Navy, said the outcomes of the summit would be forwarded to both the presidency and the National Assembly as part of efforts to push for constitutional reform through dialogue and national consensus.
