By George OZALLA
Nigeria’s constitution has been a subject of debate due to operational inefficiencies and many loopholes. The 1999 Constitution, a military-imposed document, has faced criticism for not delivering a true federal system or inspiring shared ownership among Nigerians. A most recent previous constitution conference held during President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration yielded no conclusive results.
During the on-going National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy which commenced Wednesday in Abuja, with various stakeholders in attendance to brainstorm on workable plan and solution toward crafting a brand new constitution for good governance of Nigeria as a federalism.
In their individual separate remarks, interviews, panel sessions and discussions, new workable constitution is a necessity and long over due.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo agreed on the need for constitutional reform but reaffirmed that the real problem lies with the operators of the Constitution. “No matter what you do to the Nigerian Constitution, if the operators remain the same, the welfare of Nigerians will continue to suffer. The real issue is the failure of leadership, not just the flaws of the Constitution,” Obasanjo remarked.
Ambassador (Dr.) O. Awolọwọ Dosumu emphasized that federalism remains the most suitable path to unity and prosperity. “As Chief Awolowo once said, only a federal constitution can foster unity with concord”. She noted.
PANDEF, through its chairman Ambassador Godknows Igali, recommended a return to the principles of the 1963 Constitution, advocating for resource control, state policing, rotational presidency, a unicameral legislature, and increased derivation to producing states.
Ohaneze Ndigbo called for the creation of an additional state in the South East to correct structural imbalance, it equally advocated for state police.
In the same vein, Afenifere highlighted the need for a balanced federal structure and supported the adoption of the 2014 National Conference Report as a working document.
The Nigeria Labour Congress maintained that Nigeria’s sovereignty and overall well-being of citizens are very important to be left entirely with politicians.
Former Governor of Akwa Ibom state and a member of PANDEF, Obong Victor Attah criticized the current political system as “elite authoritarianism” rather than true democracy. “We run a democracy where elections are not decided by ballots but by undemocratic means. Power flows from party barons, not the people. This is not democracy. Attah frowned.
Senator Gbenga Daniel described the 1999 Constitution as “consistently inadequate” in addressing governance, inclusion, and cohesion.
Chief Emeka Anyaoku described the 1999 Constitution as a military-imposed document that has failed to deliver a true federal system. “Our present 1999 Constitution was imposed by the military and not democratically formulated. It induces excessive administrative costs and weakens development. Nigeria needs a credible, truly federal constitution formulated by its people,” Anyaoku declared.
The Patriots, led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, are advocating for a new constitution that factors in Nigeria’s pluralism and true federalism. The group is made of notable Nigerians like Gen Ike Nwachukwu Rtd, Prof. Pat Utomi, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Chief Mike Ozekhome and some others who participated in the National Constitutional Conference.
The summit’s theme is “Actualizing a Constitutional Democracy That Works for All in Nigeria”, with expectations of producing key recommendations for a new constitutional framework.
The Summit which has in attendance other notable speakers and guests such as Mr Femi Falana SAN, Dr Sam Amadi, Ankio Briggs, Chief Chidi Okolo, Amaka Okwudili, Hajia Inna Ciroma, Iyom Dr (Mrs) Josephine Anenih and others will end Thursday with a press conference to present a communique.
