Former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku argues that Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution hinders effective leadership, calling for urgent reforms to address national challenges.
On Wednesday, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku cautioned that Nigeria would struggle to be fixed unless the 1999 Constitution is discarded.
He characterized Nigeria as a nation with diverse identities that must tackle its pluralism through genuine federal constitutions.
Anyaoku stated, “For those who believe Nigeria’s current issues stem from its political leadership, I would argue that as long as the 1999 Constitution remains our fundamental law, not even Angel Gabriel or Malaikah Jibrin could effectively address the nation’s divisiveness, underperforming economy and resulting poverty, insecurity, widespread corruption and other significant challenges facing the country today.”
The senior statesman delivered a speech at the book launch of “The Noble Academic and Patriot: A Biography of Emeritus Professor Akinjide Osuntokun,” which took place at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Anyaoku, serving as the chairman for the occasion, stated, “I begin with the undeniable truth that Nigeria is a pluralistic nation. Similar to many other countries around the globe, it comprises diverse groups of people who have long been established in distinct geographic regions and possess unique histories, cultures, languages and religions.”
The overarching lesson is that countries characterized by pluralism and which have thrived as unified political entities are those that have embraced their diversity through authentic federal constitutions. India, Canada, and Switzerland serve as examples of such nations.
I am convinced that for Nigeria, with its diverse population, to attain genuine unity and political stability while effectively addressing the significant challenges it currently encounters, it must adopt a genuinely federal constitution.
Praising Osuntokun, Anyaoku reminisced about how the esteemed professor advocated for him during his candidacy for the position of Secretary General at the Commonwealth.
I first became acquainted with Jide Osuntokun when he served as an Adviser to Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, General Ike Nwachukwu. During that time, he accompanied the Foreign Minister on trips to support my campaign for the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General.
“At that time, I was competing against the individual who had served as Australia’s Prime Minister for seven and a half years.”
He stated that Osuntokun is both a distinguished academic and a patriot. Last year, he was rightfully honored by the prestigious Hallmarks of Labour Foundation with an HLF award, signifying him as a role model for young people in achieving success through hard work and integrity.
Dr. Kayode Fayemi, a former governor of Ekiti State and the book’s reviewer, explained that Osuntokun gave authorization for the biography in 2021, even though the authors had conceived the idea back in 2018.
Fayemi guided the attendees through the professor’s background, covering both his academic and family life as detailed by the authors.
The authors shared that the book project began in 2018 after Prof. Osuntokun served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Council at Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti. In 2021, Prof. Osuntokun generously authorized the biography by giving extensive interviews to the authors, including two virtual sessions, and granting them access to his library and archives.
The book manuscript, composed of nine crisp and concise chapters along with three appendices, begins its first chapter by exploring the genealogy of Professor Osuntokun.
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The authors offer substantial evidence of family background, entrepreneurial skill, and pioneering influence in the community to explain the values and characteristics we later associate with Professor Osuntokun.
The chapter delved deeply into the challenges faced, highlighting his courageous patience while establishing a clan in Oke-Mesi. It also discussed their participation in the allied military efforts of Ekiti and Ijesa against the advancing Ibadan forces during the Kiriji War.
Another ancestor of his had fought alongside the British in World War I. His father ventured as far as the mines of Ghana in search of fortune, becoming a prosperous itinerant trader. During this period, while working for employers returning from Ghana, he married his mother and eventually settled their family in Ilawe-Ekiti.
At the event, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, expressed his eagerness to learn from Osuntokun. He remarked that if Osuntokun had educated such impressive individuals who praised him today, then there was certainly much he could gain from learning with him.
However, he expressed regret that Nigeria had developed a tendency to celebrate individuals who have not contributed to nation-building, and pointed out that this was detrimental to society.
Obi remarked, “Upon hearing the National Universities Commission Secretary-General mention their search for PhD holders to teach in our universities, I contacted him. I questioned why anyone would pursue a PhD when they’re underpaid while thugs earn 100 times more. We’re selecting the least among us as role models, and that’s detrimental to our society.”
Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, praised Osuntokun as an outstanding teacher and emphasized his significant impact on his academic journey at the University of Lagos.
Bakare, who unveiled the book, stated that Osuntokun and his late wife were a blessing to him during one of the most pivotal times in his life.
“I am honored to present the book today, sir. You can’t imagine how overwhelmed I feel at this moment.”
He prayed that “God Almighty would ensure those who read and benefit from this book will be among the nation builders.”
Among the esteemed guests at the NIIA venue for the launch were Oluremi Tinubu, Wife of the President, represented by Wahab Alawiye, Senior Special Adviser on Policy, Strategy and Logistics; Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso; TV anchor and former spokesperson for ex-President Goodluck Jonathan Reuben Abati; Sam Omatseye, Chairman of Nation Newspapers’ Editorial Board; LP’s governorship candidate in Lagos State Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour; along with many others.
