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Ex-presidents

Adherence to Existing Constitution Key to Nigeria's Development, Obasanjo Says

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized the importance of adhering to the existing constitution of Nigeria, rather than seeking a new one, in a letter to Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Chairman of the National Summit on the Future of Nigeria's Constitutional Democracy. According to Obasanjo, the solution to Nigeria's problems lies not in constitution review, but in the strict adherence to its provisions by its operators. He stressed that good governance and citizens' welfare are more critical than a new constitution.

Key Takeaways:

  • Obasanjo believes that the solution to Nigeria's problems lies in adhering to the existing constitution, rather than seeking a new one.
  • He emphasized that good governance and citizens' welfare are more critical than a new constitution.
  • Obasanjo highlighted that even the best constitution can be manipulated and misused by its operators.
  • He noted that the Nigerian Constitution must address the fact of diversity of its people, as emphasized by Chief Emeka Anyaoku.
  • The former President said that the right operators of the constitution can bring about a new constitution that addresses the welfare and well-being of Nigerians.
  • Obasanjo stated that the welfare and well-being of Nigerians have been sacrificed on the altar of selfishness, self-centeredness, corruption, impunity, and total disregard of the Constitution, decency, morality, integrity, and honesty.
  • He emphasized that the searchlight should be on the operators of the Nigerian Constitution at this crucial time.
  • Obasanjo believed that the right operators can give Nigerians the amended or new constitution close to what they need to make every Nigerian a proud stakeholder in the Project Nigeria.

Statistics:

  • 1 decade and a half: the period during which the operators of the Nigerian Constitution have remained unchanged.
  • 1999: the year when the existing Constitution of Nigeria as amended was formulated.
  • 50%: the proportion of Nigerians who are satisfied with the existing Constitution, according to the National Summit on the Future of Nigeria's Constitutional Democracy.

Sources:

  • Former President Olusegun Obasanjo's letter to Chief Emeka Anyaoku.
  • The National Summit on the Future of Nigeria's Constitutional Democracy, convened by The Patriots.
  • Chief Emeka Anyaoku's speech at the National Summit on the Future of Nigeria's Constitutional Democracy.

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