A GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR NIGERIA: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT


To have a democratic nation, Nigeria has to heal herself of the pathologies and get rid of 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 an anti-federal, military imposed 1999 constitution which is currently being operated.


A quick survey on the background and the history of the 1999 constitution 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 body(ies)


c) It side tracked serious contentious issues such as true federalism which has been a tug of war. 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 of the country were not involved as there were no referendum and debate(s)


In line with the above narrative, the phrase in the preamble of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) "we the people " Is false and misleading and thus nothing but a sham!


The 1999 constitution has a faulty foundation,embarking on an amendment of such constitution with a massively flawed origin is nothing but a futile and fruitless exercise. Little wonder only a significant achievement has been recorded since She got her Independence .This can be better illustrated with carrying out a renovation on a house with a weak foundation without tackling the problem with its foundation. Obviously,this is futile as the house will collapse like a pack of cards.


Nigeria has survived a civil war, six military coups and eight military 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 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.

dollynnn:


A GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR NIGERIA: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT


To have a democratic nation, Nigeria has to heal herself of the pathologies and get rid of 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 an anti-federal, military imposed 1999 constitution which is currently being operated.


A quick survey on the background and the history of the 1999 constitution 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 body(ies)


c) It side tracked serious contentious issues such as true federalism which has been a tug of war. 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 of the country were not involved as there were no referendum and debate(s)


In line with the above narrative, the phrase in the preamble of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) "we the people " Is false and misleading and thus nothing but a sham!


The 1999 constitution has a faulty foundation,embarking on an amendment of such constitution with a massively flawed origin is nothing but a futile and fruitless exercise. Little wonder only a significant achievement has been recorded since She got her Independence .This can be better illustrated with carrying out a renovation on a house with a weak foundation without tackling the problem with its foundation. Obviously,this is futile as the house will collapse like a pack of cards.


Nigeria has survived a civil war, six military coups and eight military 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 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.

Looking forward to your comments Nairalanders