To have a democratic nation, Nigeria has to heal herself of the pathologies and the cankerworms that have held her down for decades. While many individuals and statesmen have canvassed for several ways through which this can materialize,only few individuals have taken cognizance of Constitutional Replacement. It is a trite rule in law that the Constitution is the "Fons et Origo" (The fountain of authority),the fundamental laws of the land. How can the several suggestions that have been proffered materialize when the foundation is faulty?
The only way to begin this Journey of Reformation is to start with a people drawn Constitution,not an amendment of a military imposed, Pseudo -democratic Constitution which is currently being operated.


A quick survey of the background and the history of the 1999 constitution(as amended) reveals the following facts:

a) It was imposed by the Military by virtue of Decree no. 24

b) It was not ratified by any elected bodies

c) It side tracked serious contentious issues such as true federalism which has become a tug of war in Nigeria,a replica of the 1979 constitution which was operated when Nigeria was divided into 19 states, and now Nigeria has 36 states.How can this cope with the current situation in Nigeria?


d) A mere "copy and paste " exercise


e) The people were not involved as no referendum nor debates took place


In line with the above narrative, the phrase in the preamble "we the people " Is nothing but a sham!


The 1999 Constitution (as amended) has a faulty foundation. Embarking on an amendment of such Constitution with massively flawed origin is nothing but a futile exercise.Little wonder only a significant achievement has been recorded since she got her Independence from Britain. This can be illustrated with carrying out a renovation on a house with a weak foundation without addressing the problem with it's foundation first. obviously,the house will collapse like a pack of cards.


Nigeria has survived a civil war, 6 military coups and 8military heads of state. But despite these laudable achievements, Nigeria is still lagging behind and still groping in darkness.

Our leaders have failed woefully in mustering the leadership vision and the statesmanly discipline required to forge a nation from the diverse ethnic groups scattered across the vast geographical location. They have stubbornly and selfishly stuck to the imposed military constitution as it suits their selfish interests.They loot the country's treasury at will, accumulate wealth and fortune for themselves and unborn generations at the expense of the masses. Yet Nigeria claims to be the giant of Africa,What an irony!


Soon Nigeria will roll out her drums to celebrate her Independence from Britain,it is really saddening and quite shameful that there has been little significant achievement that has been recorded since then.

However, Some have argued that a constitution amendment Is better than replacing it with a new one since they believe the three organs of government are conservative and myopic. "Half bread is better than none" They say. Nigeria should make do with the Constitution at hand and subsequently "add" and " delete" any provision . But the question that should be on the lips of every patriotic citizen should be: "How long will Nigeria continue like this?


The time is now! it's high time we took the bull by its horns, it's high time we all made the demand for a new constitution more intense and passionate and above all more patriotic.
DOLYN
Faculty of Law, OAU

The only reason nigeria has not grown is because its being run by northerners case closed

Look at the sector north dominate

Agro
Government
Education admiration

How do we rank in the world ?

Look at the southern people dominate

Sports ,entertainment ,banking ,insurance ,the small manufacturing we have ...how do we rank in the world

Compare both then u would see the problem no need to be political correct

the root of the problem needs to be arrested first

looking forward to your comments Nairalanders

scatter the country and thank me later