Former President Obasanjo Advocates for Nigeria’s Restructuring

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has thrown his weight behind the urgent need to restructure Nigeria’s governance systems.

Speaking at Engr’s public presentation of the book ‘In Brotherhood We Stand A Roadmap for the Rebirth of a Fragmented Nation’. Chris Okoye in Enugu, Obasanjo, highlighted the detrimental effects of incorrect administrative systems on the governance of any country.

The event at Immanuel Gardens in Enugu saw Obasanjo, acting as the chairman, deliver his insights on Nigeria’s governance challenges.

Obasanjo’s address underscored the prevailing call for restructuring and reevaluating Nigeria’s national union terms. He stressed that economic viability alone cannot sustain a nation if plagued by bad governance and flawed administrative frameworks.

Emphasising the intrinsic link between economic and political reforms, Obasanjo urged for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s governance structures.

The former President’s speech delved into historical legacies from the colonial era that continue to hinder Nigeria’s progress.

He noted the necessity for constitutional and political reforms to address deep-rooted issues such as inclusion, popular participation, ownership, and legitimacy at the grassroots level.

Obasanjo’s remarks echoed a growing sentiment for structural adjustments to bolster democratic values and practices.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s governance trajectory, Obasanjo lamented the cyclical pattern of transitioning from one form of inadequate governance to another. He emphasised the need to rectify systemic weaknesses to ensure sustainable democratic governance and economic prosperity for all Nigerians.

Obasanjo highlighted key challenges facing Nigeria, including constitutional reform, stakeholder collaboration for defining a clear political direction, leadership accountability, electoral integrity, intergovernmental relations, and fostering democratic governance principles. He stressed the importance of fostering a robust social contract between government authorities and the citizenry to promote transparency, accountability, and responsiveness.

While advocating for unity, equity, and collective commitment to Nigeria’s progress, Obasanjo urged all stakeholders to work towards a more cohesive and inclusive nation.

He emphasised the role of past lessons in shaping a brighter future for Nigeria, calling for a forward-looking approach grounded in learning from historical experiences.

The event served as a platform for discussing critical issues affecting Nigeria’s governance and national unity. Obasanjo’s insights resonated with attendees, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive reforms to address systemic challenges and ensure sustainable development.

The former President’s call for restructuring comes amidst ongoing debates and discussions across Nigeria regarding the country’s political and governance structures.

His advocacy adds momentum to the dialogue on reforms to foster greater transparency, accountability, and equity in Nigeria’s governance systems.

Obasanjo’s extensive experience in Nigerian politics and governance lends credibility to his perspectives on restructuring, drawing attention and sparking discussions on potential paths for reform.

As Nigeria navigates complex challenges and opportunities, voices like Obasanjo play a crucial role in shaping the national discourse and steering the country towards a more prosperous and united future.

The call for restructuring and governance reforms reflects broader aspirations for a more inclusive, accountable, and effective governance framework that meets the needs and aspirations of all Nigerians.

Obasanjo’s advocacy underscores the importance of continuous dialogue, collaboration, and action to realise these goals.