The True Challenge: Nigeria’s Leadership Attitude, Not the Constitution — Tanko Yakasai

Tanko Yakasai, a prominent figure and founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum, has sparked a debate on Nigeria’s constitutional issues. In recent comments, Yakasai argued that Nigeria’s core problems do not stem from the constitution itself but from the attitudes and actions of those who enforce it.

Yakasai’s remarks come amid growing discussions about the need for a new constitution in Nigeria. This debate was reignited by The Patriots, a group of elder statesmen who recently visited President Bola Tinubu. The Patriots advocated for drafting a new constitution, believing that the current one is outdated and inadequate for addressing Nigeria’s evolving challenges. They argue that a new framework could better reflect the nation’s diversity and foster unity and development.

However, Yakasai disagrees with this perspective. He emphasizes that the real issue lies not with the constitution but with the behavior and mindset of Nigeria’s leaders. According to Yakasai, even the most well-crafted constitution will not yield positive results if those in power do not change their approach to governance. He believes that without a shift in leadership conduct and attitudes, a new constitution would likely be ineffective in driving the necessary progress.

Yakasai’s critique underscores the importance of introspection within Nigeria’s political sphere. He calls on the country’s leaders to adopt a more responsible and patriotic attitude towards governance. According to Yakasai, the push for a new constitution might be distracting from more critical issues such as leadership and accountability, which are crucial to Nigeria’s advancement.

In advising President Tinubu, Yakasai suggests that careful consideration is needed before making any changes to the constitution. He recommends engaging in broad consultations with diverse stakeholders to ensure that any decision made reflects the best interests of the nation and is not merely a reaction to specific demands.

Yakasai’s perspective aligns with views previously expressed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who has highlighted that Nigeria’s challenges are not solely due to the constitution or the terms of office but are deeply rooted in the attitudes and characters of those who operate under it.

Yakasai concluded his statement with a call for collective wisdom in decision-making, stressing that unilateral actions without broad-based input undermine the credibility and unity of Nigeria’s mission. As the debate continues, it is clear that addressing Nigeria’s issues may require more than just constitutional changes—it may necessitate a fundamental shift in the attitudes and behaviors of its leaders.