We must uphold the constitution —Justice Mamman Nasir

What does the constitution say regarding citizenship?The preamble of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999 as amended entails that: “The people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria having firmly and solemnly resolved to live in unity under God dedicated to the promotion of inter-African solidarity, world peace, international co-operation and understanding […]

What does the constitution say regarding citizenship?
The preamble of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999 as amended entails that: “The people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria having firmly and solemnly resolved to live in unity under God dedicated to the promotion of inter-African solidarity, world peace, international co-operation and understanding and to provide for a constitution for the purpose of promoting the good government and welfare of all persons in our country on the principles of freedom, equity and justice of consolidating the unity of our people.” In which case, each Nigerian has a right and obligation to the nation’s territorial integrity.
Can insecurity threaten judicial process?
The whole world has acclaimed Nigeria as wonderful and selfless to help build a more stable and united society. This nation has now found itself unable to protect its own territory to the extent of minus zero power not only insults but spites the president and governors, with all of us looking or pretending to look hopelessly incapable of doing anything. The constitution did not say we should just lie down and follow anybody, the country belongs to all. Who we elect is a leader always, and I call on President Goodluck Jonathan to eschew the insults being hauled on him and work for the peace and unity of the country.
Is the rule of law being upheld?
Democracy is based on rule of law. I and my colleagues at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation, SABMF, want the federal and state governments, especially those significantly affected by the insurgency, to unite and end the mayhem. This has also led to division and disunity amongst citizens. As a result, there is no unity of purpose in the campaign against security challenges.
What was the international regard of the country then and now?
Nigeria is a great country that has through the United Nations helped other countries to regain their unity, stability, peace and honour. Our soldiers fought in the Second World War against the Japanese forces in Burma and won the war. We have many youth below 50 years that have recently been retired from the armed forces due to politics. I want them recalled and let them flush out the Boko Haram. How many are the insurgents compared to the number of people in Nigeria?
What is your message to Nigeria as a legal luminary?
The advisory council of the SABMF has held a meeting and discussed the many issues now harrowing the land, the people and honour of this great nation of which many African nations are happy to be associated with. I want the upholding of the constitution.
What is your assessment of the North-east then as Sardauna Province and now as part of Nigeria?
The most worrying aspect of the truth is that our leaders in active or passive politics do not seem to care for the lives and property and indeed part of the country and the citizenry have been lost.  If you take the Chibok incident, we may be grandparents of the babies delivered by our daughters we never cared to save. I shed tears when I went there after the start of the insurgency by the Boko Haram. If peace was restored in the North-east, I will go to Aso Rock and dine with the president and even dance in front of the media. We need peace.
What is the way forward for Nigeria if you may advise the president?
I appeal to the president to eschew and swallow all insults and political abuse and half-truths as the number one Head of the Nation. He should be a statesman and not a politician. I appeal to the president to convene a special meeting of the council of Heads of State and traditional and religious leaders to discuss on how best to confront the challenges of insecurity across the nation. The president should address the nation on the outcome of their meeting. The foundation also appeals to all politicians to desist from using “Boko Haram” or any haram as political issue. And the press should be more sensitive to security issues in their reports or information.
We also pray that all of us, as lucky and loyal citizens of this nation cooperate positively, be dedicated, loyal and sincere in giving support to all tiers of government for the development of the nation in peace and brotherhood.
What are the qualities of a good leader?
The late Sir Ahmadu Bello said the qualities of a good leader are what we at the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation are exhibiting which includes honesty, dedication, unity, open door policy amongst others. He should also shoulder responsibility for the development of the people. You are a leader if you develop the people and you are not a leader, if you under-develop them. Many closed-door policy leaders failed for not heeding to advice. I am a Muslim and when the Catholic Church in Malumfashi was celebrating its 50th anniversary in my hometown, Reverend Hassan Kukah invited me and I went. When I gave citizenship certificate to the children of a southerner who has stayed there for decades, my people protested. I told them to go to court. And that was the end of the matter.