Power structure, not the Nigerian Constitution, controversy arises according to Obasanjo
### Olusegun Obasanjo Urges Focus on Leadership Culture Reforms at National Summit
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has emphasized the need for a shift in focus from constitutional amendments to reforming the leadership culture in Nigeria. Speaking at the ongoing National Summit on the Future of Nigeria's Constitutional Democracy held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Obasanjo argued that the primary challenge facing Nigeria is not its constitution, but the quality, character, and conduct of those entrusted with its operation and implementation.
#### Emphasis on Character and Integrity
Obasanjo underscored the importance of prioritizing leaders with compassion, vision, and patriotism. He believes that the most critical change needed is in the character, compassion, integrity, and patriotism of those appointed to public office. According to him, even the most carefully designed constitution can be undermined by leaders who lack these virtues, making it essential to build a leadership culture grounded in these values.
#### End Money-Driven Politics
Obasanjo also warned against money-driven politics, stressing that elections should be "driven by ideas and integrity, not money." He advocated for a culture where party leadership emerges genuinely from within, rather than through financial or coercive manipulation.
#### Accountability Mechanisms
While Obasanjo did not explicitly call for mechanisms of accountability, such as the recall of non-performing public officials and sanctions for those who misuse their offices, his call for a leadership culture that is more accountable to the people and less tolerant of impunity aligns with such suggestions.
#### Promotion of Transparent and Inclusive Governance
Obasanjo further emphasized the need for transparency and inclusivity in governance. He believes that leadership must be seen as a service to the people, not as an opportunity for self-enrichment or patronage.
#### Broader Message
Obasanjo's advocacy centers on transforming the mindset and behavior of those who govern. He does not dismiss the value of constitutional reform, but he argues that without a corresponding change in leadership culture, such reforms will have limited impact. His prescription is holistic: a nation's foundational law is only as effective as the people who implement it.
The National Summit, which gathered constitutional experts, political stakeholders, and civil society groups, aims to explore viable pathways to strengthening Nigeria's constitutional democracy. Obasanjo's remarks at the summit suggest a deeper need to reform the leadership culture rather than the document alone.
In essence, Obasanjo's specific suggestions for reforming Nigeria's leadership culture are a call for moral renewal, accountability, merit-based leadership selection, and a rejection of impunity and corruption in public office. These changes, he argues, are more important than—or at least must accompany—any constitutional reforms for Nigeria to achieve genuine progress.
- Olusegun Obasanjo, during the National Summit in Abuja, Nigeria, advocated for a shift in focus from amendments to the constitution towards reforming the leadership culture, stressing that the quality of leaders is more critical than the constitution itself.
- In his speech, Obasanjo called for leaders with compassion, vision, and patriotism, emphasizing the need to prioritize individuals who embody these virtues in public office.
- The former Nigerian President also highlighted the importance of ending money-driven politics, encouraging a culture where elections are driven by ideas and integrity, rather than financial manipulation.
- Obasanjo's proposals for leadership reform in Nigeria include promoting transparency, inclusivity, and accountability, arguing that these values are crucial for genuine progress and the effective implementation of any policy-and-legislation or political reforms.
