Problems of colonialism hampering Nigeria’s growth – Obasanjo

• He said socio-political and economic issues that affect the people must be holistically addressed in constitution making efforts

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says Nigeria is yet to shake off the relics of imperialism and unable to address the problems left behind by colonial rule.

He said these challenges have made it difficult for the country to forge a satisfying path in nation building.

Obasanjo made this known 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.

He said socio-political and economic issues that affect the people must be holistically addressed in constitution making efforts.

Obasanjo noted that the government must be deliberate, thoughtful, visionary and altruistic when making political reforms as it goes straight to the heart of critical economic matter that affects the lives of the populace.

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,” Obasanjo is quoted as saying in a statement by Kehinde Akinyemi, his special assistant on media

“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.”