Tanko Yakasai, a founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), has disagreed with the notion that Nigeria’s constitution is the root of the country’s problems.
News About Nigeria reports that Yakasai was responding to a recent visit by The Patriots, a group of elder statesmen, who urged President Bola Tinubu to adopt a new constitution.
Yakasai said that even the most well-crafted constitution will fail if the leaders’ mindset and behaviour don’t change.
He expressed concerns about The Patriots’ visit, stating that their submission to the president lacked proper consultation and inclusive deliberation.
The statement reads, “I have observed with deep concern the recent visit by some members of The Patriots to the president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, where they canvassed for a new constitution for our beloved country, Nigeria.
“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.
“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.”
