Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, warned on Wednesday that Nigeria’s challenges will remain difficult to resolve unless the country abandons the 1999 Constitution.
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, warned on Wednesday that Nigeria’s current challenges cannot be resolved without discarding the 1999 Constitution, emphasizing the country’s need for a true federal structure to effectively manage its diversity.
Speaking at the book launch of “The Noble Academic and Patriot: A Biography of Emeritus Professor Akinjide Osuntokun” at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Lagos, Anyaoku described Nigeria as a pluralistic society requiring a genuine federal constitution. He noted that nations like India, Canada, and Switzerland, which have successfully managed their diversity, use federal constitutions, and urged Nigeria to follow suit for unity and stability.
Addressing critics who blame Nigeria’s woes on political leadership, Anyaoku argued that even ideal leaders could not effectively tackle issues like economic underperformance, widespread corruption, insecurity, and divisiveness under the current 1999 Constitution. He remarked, “Not even Angel Gabriel or Malaikah Jibrin could resolve these issues as long as this constitution remains our fundamental law.”
Anyaoku praised Professor Osuntokun, recalling his role in campaigning for him during his bid for Commonwealth Secretary-General, and described him as an accomplished academic and patriot. Osuntokun’s biography, authorized in 2021, was reviewed by Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who highlighted Osuntokun’s contributions to academia and public service.
During the event, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, lamented the societal issue of glorifying individuals who have not contributed to nation-building. Obi pointed out that paying higher wages to thugs over academics is eroding Nigeria’s values.
Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, unveiled the book, expressing gratitude to Osuntokun for his support during Bakare’s student days at the University of Lagos.
The event was attended by notable figures including Oluremi Tinubu (represented by Wahab Alawiye), Lagos State Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotoso, Reuben Abati, Sam Omatseye, and Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, among others.
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