Need for a New Constitution in Nigeria
By Kenneth Udoakpan
In a recent national constitutional dialogue in Lagos, Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth secretary-general, delivered a powerful message regarding the state of Nigeria’s current constitution. The event, held in honor of Ben Nwabueze, highlighted the critical need for a new constitution that truly represents the will and aspirations of the Nigerian people. This blog post delves into Anyaoku’s key points, the shortcomings of the 1999 constitution, and the urgent call for constitutional reform in Nigeria.
Emeka Anyaoku’s Address
During the national constitutional dialogue, Emeka Anyaoku emphasized the lack of legitimacy of the 1999 constitution as amended in the eyes of Nigerians. He pointed out that the existing constitution fails to address the pressing challenges facing the country and is ill-suited for a pluralistic nation like Nigeria. Anyaoku stressed the importance of creating a new constitution that reflects the values and diversity of the Nigerian populace.
The Dialogue and Attendees
The dialogue, titled ‘Lawful Procedures For Actualising A People’s Constitution for Nigeria‘, was organized by The Patriots, a group of eminent national leaders. The event brought together various political stakeholders, including Ayo Adebanjo, Mike Ozekhome, Olabode George, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Former governors such as Gbenga Daniel, Aminu Tambuwal, and Kayode Fayemi were also in attendance, underscoring the significance of the conversation on constitutional reform.
Challenges with the Current Constitution
Anyaoku highlighted several key issues with the 1999 constitution, citing its lack of democratic legitimacy and inability to effectively address critical national challenges. He pointed out the deteriorating state of security, economic well-being, and infrastructure in the country as evidence of the constitution’s shortcomings. The need for a constitution that can adapt to Nigeria’s pluralistic society and promote national unity was a central theme of his address.
Calls for Constitutional Reform
In response to the deficiencies of the current constitution, Emeka Anyaoku proposed two main options for moving forward. He suggested either embracing the recommendations of the 2014 national conference or convening a directly elected constituent assembly to draft a new constitution. By drawing on past constitutional frameworks such as the 1960 and 1963 constitutions, Anyaoku underscored the importance of involving the Nigerian people in shaping their governance structure.
The Unimplemented Recommendations
Former President Goodluck Jonathan’s establishment of a 492-member committee in 2014, led by retired judge Idris Kutigi, aimed to review Nigeria’s political system. Despite submitting its report in August 2014, the committee’s recommendations have yet to be implemented, reflecting a broader trend of stalled constitutional reform efforts in the country.
Emeka Anyaoku’s advocacy for a new constitution in Nigeria serves as a clarion call for meaningful change in the country’s governance framework. By addressing the inadequacies of the current constitution and advocating for a more inclusive and responsive governance structure, Anyaoku underscores the importance of empowering Nigerian citizens to shape their collective future. As Nigeria grapples with pressing challenges, the need for constitutional reform remains paramount in paving the way for a more just, equitable, and prosperous society.