An elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, has backed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s assertion that the Constitution and tenure of office is not Nigeria’s problems.
Yakasai said Nigeria’s problems lies with those operating the country’s Constitution.
The former Special Adviser to ex-President Shehu Shagari on National Assembly Matters was reacting to a call by The Patriots, led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who recently called for a new Constitution during a visit to President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement he issued on Wednesday, Yakasai said even the best Constitution would fail without a change of mindset and conduct by the country’s leaders.
He said: “As a founding member of this esteemed group and an elder statesman committed to the well-being of our nation, I must express my reservations about both the process and the content of the submission made during this visit.
“First, it is regrettable that due process was not followed in articulating the views that were presented to the president. A matter of such national importance requires thorough consultation, inclusive deliberation and the consensus of all founding members.
“The exclusion of key voices, particularly in a group like The Patriots, undermines the credibility and unity of our mission. It is essential that our decisions and representations are rooted in collective wisdom and not rushed or unilateral actions.
“Second, I align with the views expressed by President Olusegun Obasanjo that the core problem facing Nigeria is not necessarily the constitution or the tenure of office. The crux of our challenges lies in the attitude and character of those who operate the constitution.”
