Problems left behind from colonial rule still affecting Nigeria, says Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says some of the
challenges left behind by the colonial administration are still affecting
Nigeria.

Obasanjo spoke on Saturday in Enugu at the public
presentation of the book: “In Brotherhood We Stand: A Roadmap for the Rebirth
of a Fragmented Nation”, written by Chris Okoye.

According to a statement by Kehinde Akinyemi, his special
assistant on media, the former president said there is a direct correlation
between economic and political reforms.

He also said the country’s historical experiences at
constitution making and political reform indicate that there are structural
defects that need adjustments in order to widen the nation’s democratic values
and practices.

 “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,” the
statement quoted him as saying.

“As a nation, our history reveals clearly that we have been
through some difficult times and have missed great opportunities.

“Our historical experiences 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. One of such bequest is Western
Liberal Democracy.

”As things stand therefore, our constitution making efforts
must go down to the grassroots to deal with the issues of inclusion, popular
participation, equity ownership, legitimacy, rights and obligations with
adequate compensation of African communalism; caring and sharing.”