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We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by PointB: 7:50am On Dec 27, 2012
Fashola: We Can Succeed With the Worst Constitution

27 Dec 2012

By Gboyega Akinsanmi

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), has expressed a divergent view on the 1999 Constitution currently under review, saying there is nothing practically wrong with the country’s legal instrument.

He took the standpoint in an address he delivered at the annual Christmas Eve dance, which was organised by the Island Club in Lagos where he observed that the antidote to Nigeria’s challenges “lies more with the people”.

The governor, who addressed traditional rulers, top government functionaries, captains of industry and diplomats, among others, therefore argued that Nigeria could succeed with the “worst constitution”.

He also faulted some radical views, which have ominously predicted a revolution as a way out of Nigeria’s socio-economic and political problems, adding that the resort to revolution would not bring about a better life.

He specifically explained that the current challenges confronting the country “lie more with the people of Nigeria themselves and the value choices that they make as a people in their day-to-day living.”

He said: “There is nothing wrong with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is the people that make the constitution and not the other way round. I think that with the right values, we can succeed even with the worst constitution. The constitution can only be as good as what we put into it.”

He cited Ghana and Dubai as examples of places, which the governor said, had really made meaningful progress because their people decided to change their country through hard work and dedication, pointing out that the only thing which the countries “had was the will to have a change of attitude.”

“It is instructive to mention these things because they are easy to do if we resolve that we want to do it. I know it is possible because we can all see what has happened in Ghana. We can see what has happened in Dubai.

“There is nothing that they have that we do not have. But there is something we have which we must change,” he said.

“I have seen the turnaround of many societies and history has shown clearly and consistently that it does not take more than 10 years to do so and within two years, when people resolve to change what they do not accept, you begin to see results that propel them to that which they desire to achieve.

“Law and order must be our gold standard. No revolution will bring a better life for us either, because I have heard the various calls for a revolution.

“But the revolution we need is in our hearts. No leader can also force us to do that unless we are persuaded that it is necessary and I believe it is necessary,” he said.

Fashola urged Nigerians to decide what they want and work hard towards achieving it, adding that the time “has come for Nigerians to replace finger-pointing and blame trading with individual, family, community, state and national action to resolve and work hard to change the things we as a people do not accept.

“Sometimes, I struggle to understand where we want to go. But I am clear in my mind the kind of society I want to live in, grow old in and die in. In my lifetime, I want to see reliable electric power supply in Nigeria. It is not just praying about it. It is about talking about it and doing something about it.”

He explained that the state government had in that vein not only started “to produce transformers and downstream electrical equipment to take advantage of the distribution aspect of the Federal Government’s electric power sector reform when it comes on stream, but also built an independent power project (IPP) to supply constant electricity to some health and judiciary institutions in Lagos Island.”

He named other interventions his administration had made to improve the life of Lagos residents as including the elevation of Gbagada General Hospital to the State’s University Teaching Hospital annex, to serve as a cardiac and renal centre, kidney centre and burns unit; the construction of the light rail project to improve transportation; as well as improvement in security through the establishment of the Security Trust Fund, among others.

According to him, if Nigerians want things to get better, its citizens would have to change themselves, adding that the nation would also make tremendous progress if Nigerians resolved to adhere to the rule of law.

In his welcome address, Chairman of Island Club, Prince Ademola Dada, commended the governor for the positive reforms and development in the state, including the building of roads and the huge investment in security as well as the promulgation of the Road Traffic Law.

He said 2013 would be a busy year for Fashola, adding that the club would work with his administration to complement its efforts “in making Lagos remain the leading state among other states of the federation.”
[url]

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/fashola-we-can-succeed-with-the-worst-constitution/134639/[/url]
Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by PointB: 7:59am On Dec 27, 2012
Some should tell this guy, that he doesn't know what he is talking about. He is a hypocrite, who runs with the hare and chase with the hounds!

Is this not same fellow who wanted state police, and more funds for his state? Are we not in same country where people are agitating for SNC, resource control vs removal of on-shore off-shore dichotomy?

Is not hypocritical for Fashola to suggest that nothing need change fundamentally in the constitution for all or any of these to be achieved? Doesn't this guy know that the foundation of the country, as enshrined in the constitution is very shaky, and the people want change? If he he believe attitude can change without new laws, why did he government introduce new laws in Lagos state?



Something is very wrong with the picture Fashola is painting. I think he has lost it! Clearly, he or people he represents or both don't know what they wont.

4 Likes

Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by ITbomb(m): 8:09am On Dec 27, 2012
Yea u r right , it is easier to have a change in attitude when u r overseeing the monthly allocation

3 Likes

Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by PointB: 8:15am On Dec 27, 2012
ITbomb: Yea u r right , it is easier to have a change in attitude when u r overseeing the monthly allocation

Lol.

I bet Theodore Orji will also certainly agree with him. grin grin grin
Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by Slickest(m): 8:39am On Dec 27, 2012
PointB: Some should tell this guy, that he doesn't know what he is talking about. He is a hypocrite, who runs with the hare and chase with the hounds!

Is this not same fellow who wanted state police, and more funds for his state? Are we not in same country where people are agitating for SNC, resource control vs removal of on-shore off-shore dichotomy?

Is not hypocritical for Fashola to suggest that nothing need change fundamentally in the constitution for all
or any of these to be achieved? Doesn't this guy know that the foundation of the country, as enshrined in the constitution is very shaky, and the people want change? If he he believe attitude can change without new laws, why did he government introduce new laws in Lagos state?



Something is very wrong with the picture Fashola is painting. I think he has lost it! Clearly, he or people he represents or both don't know what they wont.
Ur tinkin shallow! Ur jxt 8tin...tink outsyd d box den u'l undastnd he'z insinuationzz...taaaaaa!

1 Like

Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by safarigirl(f): 8:41am On Dec 27, 2012
You'll see no reason for change if things are in your favour. That's just human

1 Like

Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by SELFWORTH: 8:45am On Dec 27, 2012
Its true .

As long as we all change as individuals with the change starting from the ruling party, House of rep, senate,governors, local govt, justice system, police, army, churches, schools, teachers,universities etc.

Basically, in every sphere of the society we need change even on NL but we must be the one to change.

2 Likes

Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by Nobody: 8:46am On Dec 27, 2012
Everything started with our leaders....he cited ghana & dubai but forgot to explain the kind of leaders they are having...leaders with passion who lead without expectation of getting anything...until the leaders understand this,the people will continue to think the constitution is their problem
Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by PointB: 8:47am On Dec 27, 2012
Slickest:
Ur tinkin shallow! Ur jxt 8tin...tink outsyd d box den u'l undastnd he'z insinuationzz...taaaaaa!

And this is your example of lateral thinking? grin grin grin grin

My friend, if you dont have anything meaningful to contribute, why don't your observe a golden silence? undecided undecided undecided

1 Like

Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by SELFWORTH: 8:47am On Dec 27, 2012
safarigirl: You'll see no reason for change if things are in your favour. That's just human

True talk.

Everyone wants change but no one wants to change.
Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by k2039: 8:50am On Dec 27, 2012
[color=soyouquotedme]Even if we change the constitution without changing our mindset(especially corruption) we are certain to remain where we are.

The constitution needs review but that's not really our problem.

An efficient judiciary alone is sufficient to make the current constitution work, if corrupt officials are held accountable and jailed when found wanting.
[/color]

4 Likes

Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by SELFWORTH: 8:50am On Dec 27, 2012
torres2: Everything started with our leaders....he cited ghana & dubai but forgot to explain the kind of leaders they are having...leaders with passion who lead without expectation of getting anything...until the leaders understand this,the people will continue to think the constitution is their problem

Good leaders is not the only thing we need. We need a complete change in every sphere of the society .

You can have the best leaders with the best of intentions, but all their efforts will come to nothing if those who work under them and the people they lead are bent on destruction e.g you build good roads but some people decide to cut down the lamp posts to make cutlery or you recruit police officers to deal with criminals and find out they are the godfathers of Boko Haram......

Everyone thinks its someone else responsibility to fix Nigeria . That's how ignorant the average Nigerian is.

2 Likes

Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by tobechi20(m): 8:53am On Dec 27, 2012
Worst Post of the year 2012 coming from a governor
Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by gratiaeo(m): 8:54am On Dec 27, 2012
Slickest:
Ur tinkin shallow! Ur jxt 8tin...tink outsyd d box den u'l undastnd he'z insinuationzz...taaaaaa!
Guy you are deluded! He don't want Federal govt to amend constitution but he is buy making new laws in his state. Na over monthly allocation they worry am.....
Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by Slickest(m): 8:55am On Dec 27, 2012
I waz until u broke it wit ur jibberish tok! ;Dseriously mehn jxt try tinkin outsyd d box,twil work 4u...
PointB:

And this is your example of lateral thinking? grin grin grin grin

My friend, if you dont have anything meaningful to contribute, why don't your observe a golden silence? undecided undecided undecided
Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by Nobody: 8:56am On Dec 27, 2012
SELFWORTH:
but all their efforts will come to nothing if those who work under them and the people are bent on destruction.

Explain more
Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by Slickest(m): 8:57am On Dec 27, 2012
gratiaeo:
Guy you are deluded! He don't want Federal govt to amend constitution but he is buy making new laws in his state. Na over monthly allocation they worry am.....
Ur mumuness no gt class grin

1 Like

Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by SELFWORTH: 8:58am On Dec 27, 2012
k2039: [color=soyouquotedme]Even if we change the constitution without changing our mindset(especially corruption) we are certain to remain where we are.

The constitution needs review but that's not really our problem.

An efficient judiciary alone is sufficient to make the current constitution work, if corrupt officials are held accountable and jailed when found wanting.
[/color]

Good point but you need a system that deters corruption in the first place otherwise the judicial system will not have time to do anything else except prosecute corrupt people which is probably 99.8% of the entire system.
Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by kingingkinging: 8:59am On Dec 27, 2012
It is very true. There is no constitution that says :

1. People should be kidnapping their fellow citizens and expatriates;
2. Ritual killing is ok;
3. Rape is acceptable;
4.Cannibalism is nice;
5. Corruption is pemissible;
6. Armed robbery is a good thing;etc

It all lies with us. We need social re-engineering, re-orientation, teachings on our values and societal norms to our children, etc.

Fashola on point.

But we also have enforcement problem in Nigeria, Fash forgot to say that one.

3 Likes

Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by gratiaeo(m): 9:00am On Dec 27, 2012
SELFWORTH:

Good leaders is not the only thing we need. We need a complete change in every sphere of the society . You can have the best leaders with the best of intentions, but all their efforts will come to nothing if those who work under them and the people they lead are bent on destruction e.g you build good roads but some people decide to cut diwn the lamp posts to make cutlery or you recruit police officers to deal with criminals and find out they are the godfathers of Boko Haram......

Everyone thinks its someone else responsibility to fix Nigeria . That's how ignorant the average Nigerian is.
Its lie! U̶̲̥̅̊ ~a̶̲̥̅̊я̲̅ε̲̣̣̣̥~ a liar!!! The problem we have in Nigeria is our leaders, how come he did not tell us how the transformation started in Ghana
Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by SELFWORTH: 9:02am On Dec 27, 2012
gratiaeo:
Its lie! U̶̲̥̅̊ ~a̶̲̥̅̊я̲̅ε̲̣̣̣̥~ a liar!!! The problem we have in Nigeria is our leaders, how come he did not tell us how the transformation started in Ghana

Are your leaders

1.kidnapping people
2.sleeping with undergraduates before they can pass their universities courses?
3. Attacking innocent people at night?
4. Barbquing criminals in broad daylight
5. Selling human body parts in the market place
6. Duping people on the Internet
7. Having 9 children when they can only afford 1
8. Dumping rubbish on the streets
9. Stripping alleged criminals nakexd in the market place

... Just to mention a few

2 Likes

Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by SELFWORTH: 9:09am On Dec 27, 2012
torres2:

Explain more

See the comment of poster @kingingkingking and my comments above.

We are the ones that need to change !
Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by MORNDEW(m): 9:14am On Dec 27, 2012
Our attitude matters a lot this is evident with some kind of pple in NL showin their stupidity with their post this man has over the years shown dat he is a good leader. He comes out to tel us d truth that if u change d constitution without changin ourselves, we wud go no where nd some bigots ar comentin nonse. No mater what u do or say u cant take away his achievement s which ar visible even to a blind man.

1 Like

Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by samkoro: 9:14am On Dec 27, 2012
Fashola should have let Okada riders and Lagos drivers have a change of attitude without introducing traffic laws.

Fashola should allow street traders change their attitude without introducing KAI through the state bye laws.

Fashola should allow area boys to change their attitude without their daily bread or relevant laws.

Fashola should preach to all government officials to stop curruption without very effective laws.

Fashola should forget about minority interest and stability of the country.

This man Fasola has become so silly in his 2nd term.This is the real man he is.

4 Likes

Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by gratiaeo(m): 9:15am On Dec 27, 2012
kingingkinging: It is very true. There is no constitution that says :

1. People should be kidnapping their fellow citizens and expatriates;
2. Ritual killing is ok;
3. Rape is acceptable;
4.Cannibalism is nice;
5. Corruption is pemissible;
6. Armed robbery is a good thing;etc

It all lies with us. We need social re-engineering, re-orientation, teachings on our values and societal norms to our children, etc.

Fashola on point.

But we also have enforcement problem in Nigeria, Fash forgot to say that one.
All this things you mention here is consequences of a failed state, because our leaders are too powerful, what we have today is a military constitution.
Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by Slickest(m): 9:20am On Dec 27, 2012
gratiaeo:
All this things you mention here is consequences of a failed state, because our leaders are too powerful, what we have today is a military constitution.
ur ryt! Buh we should do our own part by doin d ryt tin...

1 Like

Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by SELFWORTH: 9:28am On Dec 27, 2012
gratiaeo:
All this things you mention here is consequences of a failed state, because our leaders are too powerful, what we have today is a military constitution.

Failed state or no failed state , these evil are perpetrated by Nigerian towards other Nigerians.

You don't need a change in constitution to make people do the right thing. The law will support the enforcement of a stable society but it will not stop those bent on evil from carrying out their evil acts.

My point is that the society Is us and we are the society. We want to live in a peace and stable society then let's also live a life of peace and stability by doing the right thing everyday and every minute in all that we do.

2 Likes

Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by PointB: 9:34am On Dec 27, 2012
SELFWORTH: Its true .

As long as we all change as individuals with the change starting from the ruling party, House of rep, senate,governors, local govt, justice system, police, army, churches, schools, teachers,universities etc.

Basically, in every sphere of the society we need change even on NL but we must be the one to change.

Experience has shown that individuals will hardly change unless there is a punishment/reward system clearly understood and enforced. The people want sharia (core north), some people want state police (SW), some want new states, regionalism, more federal allocation etc. To simply ask them to change is pretty naive in my opinion. And that is where Fashola does not get it.

In practical terms the people must clearly identify with constitution (rules, and guideline) to subscribe to them, and make necessary changes. The current constitution does not meet the people's basic need. Change it must!
Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by SELFWORTH: 9:40am On Dec 27, 2012
PointB:

Experience has shown that individuals will hardly change unless there is a punishment/reward system clearly understood and enforced. The people want sharia (core north), speople want state police (SW), some want new states, regionalism, more federal allocation etc. To simply ask them to change is pretty naive in my opinion. And that is where Fashola does not get it.

In practical terms the people must clearly identify with constitution (rules, and guideline) to subscribe to them, and make necessary changes. The current constitution does not meet the people's basic need. Change it must!

Agreed but we must also do the right thing!
Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by Melancholy(m): 9:42am On Dec 27, 2012
Pls if anybody can't quote fashola right here,what fashola simply saying is that he is so shameful of himself that judiciary had contributed to the flaws of laws in the country.
Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by size38: 9:45am On Dec 27, 2012
Mr Fosala is very wrong on this because those who make, execute and interprete the law will always look for lophole to bend the law to their favour

1 Like

Re: We Can Succeed With The Worst Constitution - Fashola by gidiMonsta(m): 9:51am On Dec 27, 2012
Everyone is shouting new constitution, SNC, this and that. As long as Nigerians remain the way we are, we will find a loophole in the new system and take advantage of it negatively. Our overtly tribalistic mindset is our main problem in this nation, not the constitution. Once that mindset is changed, we'll produce credible leaders, a new constitution will naturally follow and things will fall into their rightful place.

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