By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo declared that the nation’s 1999 Constitution is not inherently flawed but is undermined by its operators.
He delivered the critique at a national summit on Nigeria’s constitutional democracy in Abuja on Wednesday.
Obasanjo’s speech, read by Olawale Okunniyi, Secretary-General of Eminent Patriots, argued that while no constitution is perfect, Nigeria’s can foster good governance and citizen welfare if implemented faithfully.
“The best constitution can be perverted and distorted by the operators, and we have experienced that all over Africa; Nigeria is not exempted,” he stated.
The ex-president stressed that leadership behaviour remains the core issue, warning: “No matter what you do to the Nigerian constitution, if the operators remain unchanged, the welfare of Nigerians will continue to be sacrificed on the altar of selfishness, corruption, and impunity.”
He urged a focus on ensuring operators uphold integrity, honesty, and the rule of law to rescue national progress.
The summit was organised by The Patriots and the Nigeria Political Summit Group.