Constitution review must not be another jamboree
The clamour for constitutional review in Nigeria has once again returned to the front burner. Both chambers of the 10th National Assembly have commenced zonal public hearings on the review of the 1999 Constitution. While this development marks a critical phase in Nigeria’s democratic journey, it is also a familiar script — one that often […]
The clamour for constitutional review in Nigeria has once again returned to the front burner. Both chambers of the 10th National Assembly have commenced zonal public hearings on the review of the 1999 Constitution. While this development marks a critical phase in Nigeria’s democratic journey, it is also a familiar script — one that often ends in dashed hopes and recycled rhetoric. This time, however, it must not be another jamboree. It must yield tangible results.
Over the years, constitutional review in Nigeria has taken the form of elaborate political theatre. There are calls for memoranda, grand town hall meetings, and zonal consultations. Lawmakers travel across the country, meet traditional rulers and civil society groups, only for the whole effort to fizzle out without any far-reaching impact. In some cases, proposed amendments passed by the National Assembly fail to meet the approval threshold by the State Houses of Assembly. In other cases, they are simply ignored by the executive. This cycle of futility must stop.
The 1999 Constitution, imposed by a departing military regime, is riddled with inconsistencies and ambiguities. It centralizes power excessively in the federal government, thereby stifling innovation and efficiency at the state and local levels. It undermines the principles of true federalism, encourages waste, and does not adequately protect minority rights or foster inclusivity. If Nigeria is to make meaningful progress, these structural flaws must be addressed, not patched.
Citizens have been clear and consistent about what they want. For starters, there is a widespread demand for restructuring — a recalibration of the federation to allow states greater autonomy in managing their resources and security. This includes the creation of state police, which has become even more urgent given the alarming state of insecurity across the country. Equally important is the reform of the local government system to make it more functional, democratic, and independent. The current practice where local governments are mere appendages of state governors is a betrayal of the spirit of grassroots development.
Electoral reforms are another critical area. Nigerians want a Constitution that guarantees free, fair, and credible elections. Provisions that ensure the neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the independence of the judiciary, and strict timelines for election petitions are vital to restoring confidence in the democratic process.
Fiscal federalism is yet another concern. States must be allowed to explore and control their natural and economic resources. The current over-dependence on federal allocations has reduced state governments to mere administrative units that wait for monthly handouts from Abuja. True development can only happen when states are empowered to chart their own economic paths.
For the current exercise to succeed, the National Assembly must rise above tokenism and political theatrics. It must show commitment, transparency, and accountability. The voices heard during the zonal public hearings must not be lost in bureaucratic silence. There should be a clear framework for tracking public submissions, evaluating stakeholder inputs, and reporting progress to the public at every stage.
More importantly, lawmakers must resist the temptation to cherry-pick amendments that suit narrow political interests or elite bargains. The Constitution is not a tool for patronage; it is the foundation of our democracy and collective identity. If the review is approached with sincerity and purpose, it could be the beginning of a new chapter for Nigeria.
At this critical juncture, Nigerians are watching. We are hopeful but cautious. We have seen too many reviews that amounted to nothing. The 10th National Assembly must demonstrate that this time will be different. This review must not be another expensive ritual or a stage-managed consultation. It must be a genuine effort to fix what is broken, to build a system that works for all Nigerians — north and south, rich and poor, old and young.
In the end, a Constitution that is truly people-driven and reflective of Nigeria’s diversity and aspirations is not too much to ask. It is, in fact, long overdue
Onogwu Daniel, a public affairs analyst wrote from Karu, Nasarawa State