Tanko Yakasai, founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum, says Nigeria’s constitution is not the problem, but those operating it.

Yakasai said this in reaction to a call by The Patriots, a group of elder statesmen who recently visited President Bola Tinubu and canvassed for a new constitution.

In a statement on Wednesday, Yakasai said without a change of mindset and conduct of the country’s leaders, “even the most perfectly crafted constitution will fail to deliver the progress and stability”.

The elder statesman said internal cohesion and “rigorous debate” must be prioritised by The Patriots before engaging in external advocacy.

“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,” 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.”

Yakasai said the president should tread carefully and consult widely on the demand by The Patriots.

DeLaRue:
I have said it a few times here that Northerners will resist a new constitution.

Did people notice that a few weeks ago when southerners were screaming 'regionalism', Northern politicians didn't even bother to comment.

That's because any constitutional change will have to go through the Senate and the House of Rep.

Northern representatives are the majority in both Houses. So they'll just wait for Southerners there and vote against any Southern proposal.

The current bad system pays the Northerners. Why will they agree to change it.

DeLaRue:
I assume Northerners are very relaxed.

They don't mind Southern so-called experts jumping from Arise TV to Channels to social media blowing grammar about this and that and being hailed by their naive followers.

They (Northerners) know nothing can change without their consent.

DeLaRue:
I have said it a few times here that Northerners will resist a new constitution.

Did people notice that a few weeks ago when southerners were screaming 'regionalism', Northern politicians didn't even bother to comment.

That's because any constitutional change will have to go through the Senate and the House of Rep.

Northern representatives are the majority in both Houses. So they'll just wait for Southerners there and vote against any Southern proposal.

The current bad system pays the Northerners. Why will they agree to change it.

DeLaRue:
I have said it a few times here that Northerners will resist a new constitution.

Did people notice that a few weeks ago when southerners were screaming 'regionalism', Northern politicians didn't even bother to comment.

That's because any constitutional change will have to go through the Senate and the House of Rep.

Northern representatives are the majority in both Houses. So they'll just wait for Southerners there and vote against any Southern proposal.

The current bad system pays the Northerners. Why will they agree to change it.

oneMalik:
Not only the leaders , the citizens are bad people therefore we voted for few among the 200m wicked people ......then , here we are today .

A dog remains a dog irrespective of the name given to it.

Nigerians are not patriotic people simple .

BeeBeeOoh:
↪Tanko Yakasai, founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum, says Nigeria’s constitution is not the problem, but those operating it.
Yakasai said this in reaction to a call by The Patriots, a group of elder statesmen who recently visited President Bola Tinubu and canvassed for a new constitution.
In a statement on Wednesday, Yakasai said without a change of mindset and conduct of the country’s leaders, “even the most perfectly crafted constitution will fail to deliver the progress and stability”.
The elder statesman said internal cohesion and “rigorous debate” must be prioritised by The Patriots before engaging in external advocacy.
“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,” 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.

oneMalik:
Not only the leaders , the citizens are bad people therefore we voted for few among the 200m wicked people ......then , here we are today .

A dog remains a dog irrespective of the name given to it.

Nigerians are not patriotic people simple .

zeuss:
↪A constitution that was conceived and drafted under military rule and direction leveraged on the force of arms is not reflective of the true aspirations and ideals of a free people. That said 1999 constitution is as illegal as the coup that that imposed the government of its birth.

alanto:
↪Relax. He's right. There's nothing wrong with constitution. Of it will be tweaked and adjusted until it becomes perfect. What are you proposing in a new constitution?

trium:
↪Finally, someone to call The Patriots to order because if we are not careful, they will be the ones to start setting agenda for us. A self interest group will distract us and be used to control public discourse.

Gotocourt:
“Even the most perfectly crafted constitution will fail to deliver the progress and stability”.
If you don't gerrit, forgerrit it. We just need better laws. All this restructuring talk is nothing but constitutional amendment. I can't wait to see a vibrant local government in action. We need a system that will tackle corruption particularly infrastructural contractors. Kickbacks need to stop.