Shortly before returning to civilian rule in 1999, a new Constitution came on board.

The then military head of state; Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar set up a Constitutional drafting committee made up of few selected Nigerians.

The same Constitution is what Nigeria have been using from 1999 till date with few amendments.

Nigeria, an hetergenous entity is best suited to a federal system of government due to her diverse nature in cultures, languages and other factors synonymous to an hetergenous entity.

The same Constitution (1999 constitution) is said to be a federal constitution but in reality it's actually a unitary constitution. Are you shocked .

Before I go further on my analysis, let's quickly see what federal and unitary constitution means .

A federal constitution, is a type of constitution in which there are clear constitutional divisions of powers between the central government ( Federal government) and other components units making up the federation.

Note: One important principle of federalism states that; all components units making up the federation should be equal.

A Unitary constitution, this is a type of constitution that places all powers at the centre ( Federal). In this type of constitution, there is no constitutional divisions of powers between the central government (Federal government) and components units.

Now to business, Do you know that ;

1. The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria was promulgated by decree 24 of 1999 and the constitution was not signed into law by the President or National assembly (approved)

2. The constitution does not provide for state constitutions to create true federalism.

3. Takes care of one religion in section 275-279 and neglects all others.

4. The 1999 constitution over centralized governance and even centralized the judiciary.

5. The 1999 constitution gave the National assembly power over concurrent items.

6. Created a Unitary system of government, Not federal system.

7. Calls state governors "Chief security officer" but does not give them security outfit or power over Nigeria police in their respective states.

8. Provided for only one police force unlike other federation like the U.S e.t.c.

9. Falsely claimed that Nigerians willing handed their lands and resources to FG.

10. The constitution was written by a few selected Nigerians and not subjected to referendum .

The most shocking one ; Do you know that the constitution was kept secret till after all inaugurations in 1999?

With all these analysis of mine, it's obvious that the 1999 constitution isn't best suited to a country like Nigeria.

For things to go well, Nigeria needs to be restructured and a new Constitution must be adopted to put an end to some of the lapses of the 1999 constitution.

In true federalism, "powers should be decentralized".

Comrade God'swill.
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