By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin

Former Secretary of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO)and a prominent Nigerian elder statesman, Ayo Opadokun, has tasked stakeholders to speedily return Nigeria to true federal constitutional governance, describing it as the foundation upon which the country gained independence.

Speaking during the 21st Christmas Carol event themed “Rejoice” in Offa, Kwara State, Opadokun appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive steps to correct historical injustices and restore the country to its original federal structure.

“The nation must return to federal constitutional governance; that is upon which we secured our independence. All that we are doing is chasing shadows,” Opadokun said, stressing the need for the president to demonstrate “real determination” in addressing governance challenges.

He expressed concern over the deepening culture of electoral malpractices, particularly vote-buying, which he said undermines democracy and voters’ dignity.

“Taking five thousand, one thousand naira, or even bread during election time is unfortunate. It doesn’t make people responsible; it lowers their worth and dignity,” Opadokun lamented.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, he attributed the country’s economic woes to years of mismanagement, particularly under military regimes.

He pointed to the decline of the naira during the Ibrahim Babangida administration as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s economic downturn.

“Before Babangida came into office, the naira was stronger than the dollar. Within a year or two, it became three naira to a dollar. By the time he left, the situation was far worse,” he said, describing Nigeria’s economic state as “beggarly.”

Opadokun also criticized the lingering effects of colonial rule and military interventions, blaming them for eroding the nation’s cultural and educational values.

“The British and the military destroyed our national values and substituted them with theirs. Missionaries had once 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,” he remarked.

He further challenged Nigerians to reflect on their complicity in the nation’s challenges, urging societal reforms and a collective sense of responsibility.

“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 added.

Using the occasion to promote the Christian faith, Opadokun encouraged citizens to find hope in their shared values and collective commitment to rebuilding Nigeria.

“All we are using this Christmas Carol for is to propagate Christ and to extend the kingdom of Christ to the world,” he said.

The elder statesman call for integrity, reforms, and a united vision for Nigeria’s future. “We must all work together to restore the dignity and greatness of this nation,” he urged.