Bad governance can destroy economically viable nation- Obasanjo

By Kolawole Olayinka, Abeokuta

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has said bad governance can destroy an economically viable nation.

Obasanjo stated that Nigeria’s historical experiences at constitution making and political reform were indications that the country needs structural adjustments to consolidate her democracy.

He made these assertions at the public presentation of the Book: “In Brotherhood We Stand: A Roadmap for the Rebirth of a Fragmented Nation” written by Chris Okoye.

Obasanjo said that the book was of interest to him because it is a direct fallout from the National Political Reform Conference which his administration organised in 2005.

The former President added “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.

“Indeed, there is a direct correlation between economic and political reforms. 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.”

He said “To the Chairman of the occasion, “this book, In Brotherhood We Stand: A Roadmap for the rebirth of a Fragmented Nation may not be the total solution to Nigeria’s problems and challenges, but it will certainly be one of the sure guides for the Nigeria of our dreams, where democracy and good governance are sustained and where our diversity become the strongest fusion of our unity”.