By Adedoja Samuel Adesoji
Former military governor of old Ondo State and elder statesman, Olabode Ibiyinka George, has faulted the Nigerian constitution, describing it as an hypocrisy and a military document.
George, who attempted a critique of the law of the land in an interview with DHV Voice in London said the 1999 Constitution was crafted by the military and not drafted by the people of Nigeria as being currently proclaimed.
He pointed out how the document attempted to emulate USA, but failed, especially as it comes to how USA operates with very independent states.
He commended the Goodluck Jonathan administration for responding to the yearnings of the people by initiating a constitutional review through a national confab, advocating for national restructuring to promote growth.
One notable proposal, George noted, was the establishment of state policing to enhance community security.
He, however, said the outcome of the constitution review faced suspension by the succeeding Buhari government, urging President Bola Tinubu to consider utilizing the archived confab report.
George delved into matters relating to political parties and the Yoruba political landscape, appreciating the efforts of early politicians who established political parties to liberate the nation from military rule.
The former military governor commended the on-going struggle for democracy in the country and expressed hope for it’s continuous progression while ensuring that Yoruba interests were not sidelined.
George, a Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, urged President Tinubu to prioritize the fight against corruption by encouraging thorough investigation into both present and past cabinet members or politicians involved in embezzling public funds.
He emphasised the need for intentional efforts in combating corruption for a swift economic recovery.
Sharing an anecdote about his fall out with the late maximum ruler, General Sani Abacha, due to his support for the late Bashorun MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, adjudged as the fairest, freest and most credible in the annals of the nation’s political history, George claimed that Abiola was arrested in the same neighborhood with him, leading to a conflict with his superiors.
His commentary on dismissing treason charges against Abiola during a military meeting fuelled the conflict, according to George, ultimately resulting in his compulsory retirement.
