Chief Afe Babalola on Saturday disagreed with the National Assembly (NASS) on the process of amending the Nigerian Constitution, saying the problem with the constitution could not be solved by “mere amendments“.
The National Assembly is currently carrying out steps toward amending the constitution, which became operational in 1999.
Babalola said in a lecture in Abeokuta that, “In Nigeria such a move will need a total restructuring of the framework of the country so as to make the centre and political offices less attractive.
“This can only be done through the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference and not through piece-meal amendments to the Federal Constitution which is de facto a unitary constitution.
“Whichever way one looks at it, the issue is the lopsidedness of the constitution which cannot be cured by mere amendment. “
Babalola’s lecture was titled, “Leadership Challenges: Sub-Saharan Black? Africa“, as part of activities to mark the 40th anniversary of Abeokuta Club.
He said it was in the interest of the nation that all impediments toward the convocation of the conference were put aside and a legal framework put in place to bring it to reality.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) expressed optimism that the convocation of the conference would bring to an end issues that had to do with development, growth and nationhood.
He said leaders and interest groups from all parts of the country were also in support of the conference to move the country forward.
Babalola called on NASS and government at all levels to give serious consideration to the idea of the conference, adding that “generations to come will surely benefit from such move.’`
He said leadership should always be about constantly developing ways to improve the lot of the governed and that planning for the future should be of concern to any leader.
Babalola said most African leaders had been unable to fashion long term plans for the development of their countries but reacted to situations.
“Continuity is also lacking in governance in many black African countries as many leaders see their period in office as a personal accomplishment.
“They fail to situate things in a larger picture of national growth; they, therefore, set their own agenda, irrespective of whatever positive direction the previous government had taken,“ he said.????
Babalola said that political offices, such as local government councillor, should be reserved for retired professionals and clergymen.
“The way we made it a salaried position is inappropriate. In fact, some councillors are advocating that it should be pensionable.
“State and National Assembly have too many members too, “ he said.
He paid special tribute to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and described him as “a committed leader“.
“I cannot end this lecture without paying special tribute to this man whom I hold in very high regard.
“It has pleased God to use this person times without number for the promotion, development and preservation of the country.
“I speak of no other person than the Chairman of today’s occasion, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
“On two occasions he has served as head of state, prior to that time he fought for the unity of the country and was instrumental in bringing the civil war to a close.
“When other black African leaders were planning to make themselves life president he voluntarily surrendered power to civilians.
“This was Obasanjo I had seen long before the many acclaimed champions of democracy of recent years, who today pervade Nigeria’s political landscape as champions of democracy, “ he said.
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