Saturday, June 13, 2026
FB X LI YT
Breaking
ABIOLA AND THE ANCIENT JOURNEY OF JUNE 12 – By Dare Babarinsa, CON Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Group Chairman of Oodua Investment Company Limited, speaks at the Think Yoruba First 4th Global Conference. A proud moment for Yoruba land as he addresses the gathering on regional unity and progress. Representative from the DAWN Commission speaks at the Think Yoruba First 4th Global Conference, addressing the gathering on regional integration, collaboration with Think Yoruba First, and the future of Yoruba land in a multipolar world. The event was held in partnership with the DAWN Commission. Otunba Deji Osibogun, Convener of Yoruba Koya Leadership and Training Foundation, speaks at the Think Yoruba First 4th Global Conference. He addressed the gathering on leadership development, grassroots mobilisation, and the urgent need to build the next generation of Yoruba leaders. Oba Francis Olusola Alao, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon Kingdom, speaks at the Think Yoruba First 4th Global Conference. The royal father spoke on the critical role of traditional institutions in securing the nation and praised Think Yoruba First for their tireless work in advancing the cause of Yoruba land, declaring that the movement is the future of Yoruba progress and unity. “No One Is More Qualified Than Me” – Senator Dickson Declares Obi Not Doing NDC Any Favour Caribbean Nation Opens Doors: Grenada Grants Nigerians Visa-Free Access, Seeks Direct Flights and Investment Economic Invasion, Physical and Psychological Warfare on Yoruba Land
NEWS

Obasanjo Says Nigeria Needs Restructuring Now

April 10, 2024 • 3 min read

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has emphasized the need to restructure Nigeria now, warning that the preponderance of wrong systems of administration is bad for the governance of any country.

Obasanjo stated this in Enugu at the weekend at the public presentation of the book ‘In Brotherhood We Stand: A Roadmap for the Rebirth of a Fragmented Nation’, written by Engr. Chris Okoye.

The former President, who was chairman at the occasion lamented that Nigeria had moved from one bad governance to another.

His words: “The clarion call in Nigeria today is one for restructuring and a reassessment of the terms of our union as a nation.

“No matter how economically viable a nation is, bad governance and a wrong system of administration can bring it down as there is a direct correlation between economic and political reforms.

“Our historical experience at constitution making and political reform show that we may have some structural defects that require adjustment so as not to continue to constrain the deepening, widening and consolidation of democratic values and practices.

“Indeed, some of the contradictions and challenges bequeathed by the colonial administration have continued to pose problems for us to this day.

“As things stand therefore, our constitution making efforts must go down the grassroots to deal with the issues of inclusion, popular participation, ownership, and legitimacy.”

Obasanjo, who spoke through a live video link at the occasion, lamented “In the process, we tried to adjust to the weaknesses of the system and equally adapt to doing without some of those fundamentals that really ought to drive the political process.

“Some issues that have emerged include, but are not limited to, the challenge of constitutionalism and constitutional reform; the opportunity to bring all stakeholders together to discuss the preferred political path for the nation; the challenge of building new, accountable, responsive and focused leadership; and how to build, operate and sustain real political liberties, social justice, rights and obligations; electoral reforms.

“We want to move forward, look forward, think about the past to help the present and the future and work for a stronger and more united Nigeria.

“It is unhelpful to devote time and energy to unrealistic, even unpatriotic strategies for precipitating crises, conflicts, deadlock and disintegration. In a democracy, there must be checks and balances and there must be effective watchdogs”, he said.

Commenting on the book, Obasanjo said: “This book is of great interest to me as a person because it is a direct fallout from the National Political Reform Conference which my administration organised in 2005.

“And to us as a nation, because the content of the book is a most needed panacea for many of the ills plaguing our nation today.”

Dignitaries present at the book launch included former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi; former President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani; former Governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim.

Also present were Senator Victor Umeh; former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Allison Madueke (retd); former Minister of Information, Frank Nweke and former Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Chinedu Nebo among others.