Obi flays executive criminal mindedness, seeks parliamentary system

• Says Nwabueze consistent, honest about better Nigeria
• Soludo hails legal icon’s commitment to constitutionalism, justice

Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has said change will not come until Nigerians destroy the structure of criminal enterprises established by politicians. He also lamented the purchase of vehicles worth N160 million for each federal lawmaker at a time when “people are suffering”.

Obi spoke at Ajao Estate, Lagos, during a condolence visit to the residence of the late constitutional lawyer and pioneer Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, whom he described as “consistent, honest, and truthful about a better Nigeria.”

He said: “Constituency projects are criminal. Because the executive is also criminally minded, it succumbed to things like that. Rascality and bad behaviour has been our culture. We should go back to the parliamentary system of government. It allows the people we voted to speak to us.

“In Nigeria, presidents delegate questions to aides. The criminality must be dismantled. People who already have cars are being given cars worth N160 million. People are suffering, there’s need to be modest. The person we voted for must be answerable to the people.”

Obi said from the day he met Nwabueze, the deceased had been “consistent in telling me things are not working. He was consistent in telling me that the constitution needs to be amended and the right things done”.

In a related development, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State paid tribute in a statement released by his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime.

He said: “As a towering figure in the field of constitutional law and an elder statesman of unparalleled integrity in Nigeria, Prof. Nwabueze will forever be etched in the annals of our nation’s history. His unyielding commitment to the cause of constitutionalism, justice and equity has left an indelible impact on Nigeria.”

He added: “His wisdom and tireless efforts in advocating democratic ideals have also guided our nation through some of its most pivotal moments. The government and the good people of Anambra State join in mourning the loss of this great son and patriot. May his legacy continue to inspire generations.”

In his condolence message, the lawmaker representing Anambra North Senatorial District, Dr. Tony Nwoye described Nwabueze as a legal icon, who left indelible footprints within and outside the country with his scholarly works.

He said: “Prof. Ben Nwabueze lived an extraordinary life that was self-evident. The knowledge and experience-driven leadership and counsel he provided, always with unfailing courteousness, were the unique virtues that underpinned his extraordinary achievements as a legal luminary, educationist and bridge builder which will be talked about for generations.

“It is a great loss both to Nigeria and the Igbo nation. He was known for being vocal and ensuring an anti-corrupt system. You cannot talk about the evolution of the entire legal system in Nigeria without mentioning his invaluable contributions.”