Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said Nigeria’s major challenge is not the constitution itself, but the individuals entrusted with implementing it.
In a letter addressed to Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Chairman of the National Summit on Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy, Obasanjo emphasized that while constitutional reforms are necessary, good governance depends largely on the conduct of its operators.
The letter was read during the ongoing summit at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.
“A nation’s Constitution must reflect its history, people, and aspirations and must be held sacred,” Obasanjo said.
“From my experience, I can identify areas of our Constitution that need amendment. However, no Constitution is perfect. What matters most is the quality and integrity of those who operate it.”
He warned that even the best constitutional framework can be undermined by leaders who act with impunity, selfishness, and disregard for the rule of law.
“No matter how much we amend the Nigerian Constitution, if the mindset and actions of its operators remain unchanged as they have for the past 15 years the people’s welfare will continue to suffer,” he added.
Obasanjo urged greater scrutiny of public office holders, saying, “When we have the right leaders, they will ensure the Constitution is amended to meet national needs and make every Nigerian feel like a proud stakeholder in the country.”
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