Leadership over Law: Obasanjo and Stakeholders Demand Constitutional Reform Rooted in Accountability and Justice

 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that Nigeria’s pressing governance challenges are less about constitutional flaws and more about the failure of leadership. This position was conveyed during the opening ceremony of a three-day National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy, hosted in Abuja by The Patriots in collaboration with the Nigeria Political Summit Group.

Although the former president was not physically present, his remarks were delivered by Mr. Olawale Okunniyi, Secretary-General of Eminent Patriots. Obasanjo’s message emphasized that while the Nigerian constitution may warrant adjustments, the real issue lies with those entrusted with implementing it.

He asserted that the presence of the right individuals in leadership positions is more crucial than a perfect constitutional document. According to him, the best-drafted constitution can still be subverted by individuals who operate outside its ethical and legal frameworks.

"From experience, I can identify several areas within our constitution that need amendment," Obasanjo noted. "However, no constitution is perfect. The true strength of a constitution lies in how it is operated. If those in charge continue with the same patterns of impunity, corruption and self-interest, then the welfare of Nigerians will always be jeopardized."

He pointed out that across Africa, and especially in Nigeria, constitutional abuse is a recurring issue. Obasanjo warned that no amount of constitutional reengineering will yield results unless the character and conduct of the country’s leaders are subjected to critical scrutiny and change.

Obasanjo’s remarks set the tone for a broader conversation on governance, inclusion and national cohesion. Other notable voices echoed his sentiments, calling for a bold and urgent reexamination of Nigeria’s political structure and constitutional framework.

Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, strongly criticized the 1999 Constitution, labeling it an illegitimate product of military rule. His remarks, also read by Okunniyi, emphasized that the constitution lacks the legitimacy of popular consent and has consequently failed to serve the interests of the Nigerian people.

He argued that the last authentic expression of national consensus was captured in the 1963 Constitution, which was later abrogated by the military. That shift, according to Attah, marked the beginning of Nigeria’s systemic democratic challenges.

"This current constitution is not a people’s document," he stated. "It is a military decree that denies the people their sovereignty. Real unity can only be built on justice, equity and mutual consent, not imposition."

Attah emphasized the urgency of restructuring the country’s governance model back to true federalism, which guarantees greater autonomy for the federating units. He also called for reforms that would drastically reduce the cost of politics, insisting that public service should no longer be treated as a self-serving enterprise.

Among the reforms he proposed were the establishment of a unicameral legislature and a constitutional requirement that only elected officials can be appointed as ministers. According to him, such changes would make governance more transparent, responsive and representative.

The summit also featured remarks from Senator Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun State and Co-Chairman of the summit's Organising Committee. Daniel described the gathering as a historic, citizen-driven intervention aimed at addressing the root causes of Nigeria’s governance dysfunction.

He noted that the 1999 Constitution has consistently failed to address critical issues of governance, equity and inclusiveness. According to him, the summit was not merely another political gathering but a deliberate platform for producing actionable recommendations that reflect the real aspirations of the people.

Key topics slated for deliberation include the structure of Nigeria’s federation, the role of local governments and traditional institutions, electoral and judicial reforms, fiscal federalism and national security. The summit also aims to redefine citizenship responsibilities and rights within a modern democratic context.

Daniel emphasized the importance of inclusivity and intergenerational dialogue in the summit’s approach. "This summit represents all shades of Nigeria. across regions, age groups, civil society, and traditional leadership. No voice is too small, and no group is excluded," he said.

He called on young people, women and civil society to engage fully in the process, noting that their perspectives are essential for building a resilient and inclusive future. Daniel also stressed that the summit’s recommendations will not end as a theoretical exercise but will be carefully documented, refined and presented to both the National Assembly and the Presidency.

"Our goal is constructive engagement, not confrontation," he added. "We intend to persuade with evidence, reason and unity of purpose that the current constitutional framework is insufficient for the country’s growth and stability."

All participants agreed that this moment in Nigeria’s political history offers a unique opportunity to confront entrenched challenges and realign the country with its founding principles of justice, equity and collective prosperity.

As the summit continues, expectations remain high that it will produce not just a set of recommendations, but a new direction that genuinely reflects the will of the Nigerian people and addresses the realities of the 21st century.