In a thought-provoking address at the Nigerian Air Force Officers Mess Honourary Members Forum 2023 Annual Lecture in Lagos, former Minister of Work, Babatunde Fashola, made a compelling statement regarding President Bola Tinubu’s potential intervention in the ongoing political tensions in Ondo and Rivers states. Fashola emphasized that the constitution does not delineate a role for President Tinubu in these crises, thus casting doubt on the calls for his involvement.
“Does the Constitution assign a role to the President in this matter?” questioned Fashola, highlighting the constitutional framework that guides the involvement of officials in such situations. His remarks serve as an insightful reminder of the strictures of the constitution and its impact on the scope of presidential influence in state matters.
Amidst the clamor for presidential intervention, Fashola underscored the constitutional boundaries, raising pertinent questions about the appropriateness of such calls. “Are those inviting the President to act in Ondo and in Rivers states not aware that the President has no constitutional role in these matters?” he queried, prompting a reevaluation of the prevailing narrative.
Moreover, Fashola commendably acknowledged the resolve of “blue-blood Ondo indigenes” who championed law and constitutionality in addressing their state’s recent crisis, ultimately fostering a return to tranquility. His acknowledgment serves as a tribute to the principled few who valiantly upheld the pillars of legality and order amidst turbulence.
However, the former minister’s address transcended the immediate circumstances in Ondo, extending to a broader call for conscientious leadership in Rivers State. Fashola exhorted the leadership in Rivers State to uphold their responsibilities, steering the narrative towards the imperative need for local accountability and decisive action, thereby shunning the notion of shifting responsibility to the national level.
Amidst his exhortations, Fashola underscored the importance of self-reflection and self-improvement, encapsulating his sentiments in the poignant declaration, “We have amended the constitution, so what is left to amend, except ourselves?” This introspective conviction serves as a clarion call for self-improvement and responsibility, advocating for a collective commitment to enacting positive change from within.
As the echoes of Fashola’s address reverberate, his words encapsulate the essence of constitutional governance, local accountability, and the imperative need for conscientious self-amendment. His address stands as a testament to the resilience of constitutional principles and the indomitable spirit of those who uphold them.
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