Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja during the opening of a three-day national summit on the future of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy, organised by The Patriots in collaboration with the Nigeria Political Summit Group, Obasanjo said while the constitution is not perfect, it can promote good governance and improve citizens’ welfare if properly implemented.

His speech was read by Olawale Okunniyi, the secretary-general of Eminent Patriots.

He said a constitution must reflect the history, aspirations, and constituents of a nation, adding that no constitution is flawless.

“The best constitution can be perverted and distorted by the operators, and we have experienced that all over Africa; Nigeria is not exempted,” Obasanjo said.

The former president emphasised that the focus should be on the operators of the constitution, who play a crucial role in governance and the well-being of citizens.

He warned that without a change in leadership behaviour, Nigerians’ welfare will continue to be sacrificed to selfishness, corruption, and impunity.

“No matter what you do to the Nigerian constitution, if the operators of the constitution, for the past one decade and a half, remain unchanged and continue in the same manner, the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians will continue to be sacrificed on the altar of selfishness,” he said.

Obasanjo urged that at this critical time, attention must be placed on the operators of the constitution to ensure integrity, honesty, and respect for the rule of law.