A prominent Nigerian statesman, Ayo Opadokun, has stated that the country must return to true federal constitutional governance, describing it as the foundation of Nigeria’s independence.
Speaking with journalists in Offa, Kwara State, on the sidelines of the 21st Christmas Carol program he organized, themed “Rejoice,” Opadokun urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take bold steps to correct historical wrongs and restore the nation to its original federal structure.
“The nation must return to federal constitutional governance; that is what secured our independence. All that we are doing is chasing shadows,” he said, emphasizing the need for President Tinubu to demonstrate “real determination” in addressing governance challenges.
Opadokun expressed concern over electoral malpractices, particularly vote-buying, which he described as degrading to voters and democracy.
“Taking N5,000, N1,000, or even bread during election time is unfortunate. It doesn’t make people responsible; it lowers their worth and dignity,” he said.
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Beyond political matters, the statesman used the occasion to promote Christianity and offer hope to Nigerians amid current challenges, saying, “All we are using this Christmas Carol program for is to propagate Christ and extend the kingdom of Christ to the world.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s socio-economic struggles, Opadokun attributed the nation’s challenges to decades of mismanagement, especially during military regimes.
He recalled the economic impact of past military leadership, citing the devaluation of the naira during the Ibrahim Babangida era.
“Before Babangida came into office, the naira was stronger than the dollar. Within a year or two, it became N3 to a dollar. By the time he left, the situation was far worse,” he recalled, expressing regret over the socio-economic policies that turned Nigeria into a “beggarly nation.”
Opadokun also criticized the legacies of colonial rule and military interventions, blaming them for eroding Nigeria’s cultural and educational values.
“The British and the military destroyed our national values and substituted them with theirs. Between 1845 and 1848, missionaries pleaded for the use of local languages to teach children, but they were refused. Today, Nigeria is the largest English-speaking country in the world.”
In his address, the elder statesman urged Nigerians to reassess their roles in the country’s challenges, noting that societal values had been compromised at all levels.
“Many of us, both in the lower and elite cadres, have been complicit in perverting societal values. The middle class has been obliterated, and most of the wealthy today benefited from the military’s misguided policies,” he said.
Opadokun called on leaders and citizens to prioritize genuine reforms, integrity, and collective responsibility to rebuild Nigeria.
“We must all work together to restore the dignity and greatness of this nation,” he said.
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