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Speaking at the launch of The Noble Academic and Patriot: A Biography of Emeritus Professor Akinjide Osuntokun at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, Anyaoku criticised the constitution as a major impediment to Nigeria’s unity, stability, and development.

Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has called for the abolition of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, warning that its continuation will prevent the country from realizing its full potential.
Speaking at the launch of The Noble Academic and Patriot: A Biography of Emeritus Professor Akinjide Osuntokun at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos, Anyaoku criticised the constitution as a major impediment to Nigeria’s unity, stability, and development.

Reflecting on Nigeria's pre-1966 governance structure, Anyaoku argued that the country had been on a path toward unity and growth before the military’s adoption of a unitary system in January 1966, which has since defined Nigeria's political landscape.


"Nigeria was more united, more stable, and developing towards its potential," he said, contrasting that era with the current stagnation.

Anyaoku explained that pluralistic nations thrive when they address their diversity through true federal constitutions, which allow for regional autonomy and decentralized power.

According to him, Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution fails to accommodate the country’s diverse cultural and regional landscape, stifling the nation’s capacity for cohesive development.


"As long as Nigeria continues to operate under this constitution, even an angel like Gabriel cannot save it," Anyaoku said.

Anyaoku, serving as chairman of the event, highlighted that Nigeria, like many other nations, is a pluralistic society, with a diverse population of people rooted in distinct geographical areas, each with unique histories, cultures, languages, and religions.

He stated, “The universal lesson is that pluralistic countries that have remained unified and progressive as single political entities are those that embrace their diversity with genuine federal constitutions."

Anyaoku cited India, Canada, and Switzerland as examples of nations that have successfully managed diversity through true federalism.

He contrasted this with countries that failed to do so, leading to disintegration.

He said, “Examples include Yugoslavia, which after 74 years split into seven sovereign states; Czechoslovakia, which divided into two independent states; East Timor, which separated from Indonesia; and, closer to home in Africa, Sudan, which split into two countries after nearly 3,000 years.”

“I believe that for Nigeria to achieve true unity, political stability, and effectively address its current challenges, it must adopt a truly federal constitution,” he said.

Anyaoku argued that Nigeria’s issues are not merely due to political leadership but stem from the 1999 Constitution itself, noting that “not even Angel Gabriel or Mala’ika Jibril” could resolve Nigeria’s challenges under it.

He explained, “The divisiveness, the struggling economy, widespread poverty, insecurity, and rampant corruption are among the significant issues facing Nigeria. For the sake of preserving our nation, the Federal Government and National Assembly must heed this universal lesson without further delay.”

Anyaoku called for a democratic constitution genuinely crafted by Nigerians, inspired by the principles of the 1960/63 Constitution, which was agreed upon by Nigeria's founding fathers.

“As many will recall, Nigeria was more united, stable, and on a path of development under that constitution until military intervention in January 1966 brought in a unitary system, which, in various forms, has persisted to this day,” he added.


https://saharareporters.com/2024/11/14/long-nigeria-operates-under-1999-constitution-no-angel-cant-save-it-anyaoku

The problem of Nigeria is not the constitution. Instead, it is the people. There are too many evil people in this country, hoping to get into office and loot what's left in the treasury. No country can go far with such a mentality.

SmartPolician:
The problem of Nigeria is not the constitution. Instead, it is the people. There are too many evil people in this country, hoping to get into office and loot what's left in the treasury. No country can go far with such a mentality.

It's the Constitution that allow those evil people get into power

You think tinubu would be premier of the South West, in this his condition?

You think North would give Buhari 8 years if he was ruling over them?

You think Hope would be governor if we had regional government?

For where, it's a fight to finish until their cookie jar gets exhausted. The Northern oligarch would rather see the country burn than agree to scrap the 1999 Military constitution.

SmartPolician:
The problem of Nigeria is not the constitution. Instead, it is the people. There are too many evil people in this country, hoping to get into office and loot what's left in the treasury. No country can go far with such a mentality.

And the right constitution that prevents undesirables from entering public office, not this present one

Nigeria is a country that should not have a single individual as head of state, head of government and commander in chief of the armed forces. This is making the centre too strong that it is no longer a federation

In a real federation, those three offices should be held by three different people

Chief Emeka Anyaoku’s remarks highlight an important discussion about Nigeria's constitutional framework and its impact on the country’s unity, stability, and development. His call for a return to a true federal system is rooted in the belief that Nigeria’s diversity could be better managed through regional autonomy and decentralized power—principles that were present in the pre-1966 governance structure.

Anyaoku’s examples of pluralistic nations like India, Canada, and Switzerland show that embracing diversity through federalism can lead to unity and progress. In contrast, his references to Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, and Sudan illustrate the risks of failing to address regional identities and unique needs. The implication is that the 1999 Constitution may be too centralized to accommodate Nigeria’s vast diversity, potentially hindering the country’s growth.

His perspective—that no single leader can fully address Nigeria’s challenges without a structural overhaul—sheds light on the importance of a constitution that reflects the will of the people. It’s a reminder that a truly democratic and federal constitution, similar to the 1960/63 Constitution, could provide a foundation for Nigeria to realize its potential, foster unity, and promote sustainable development. Anyaoku’s message is clear: for Nigeria to move forward, it may be time to revisit the principles agreed upon by the country’s founding fathers.

mrvitalis:
It's the Constitution that allow those evil people get into power

You think tinubu would be premier of the South West, in this his condition?

You think North would give Buhari 8 years if he was ruling over them?

You think Hope would be governor if we had regional government?

is it good people dat created that constitution!

all constitutions from 1914 av failed!



spits!

The fraudulent foundation Nigeria is seating on is the bane of it development.

Racoon:
The fraudulent foundation Nigeria is seating on is the bane of it development.

, we are all pretending. Anyway Nigerians love it like that Nlfpmod.

..some will definitely disaggree..if you claim to be a real progressive why not do something about it..

..after all you control everything..the nass, judiciary executive..

..claiming progressives & not doing the right thing..all deceit..

Nlfpmod, we all know this, but who will bell the cat.

Racoon:
The fraudulent foundation Nigeria is seating on is the bane of it development.

They know, but they don't care

gidgiddy:
They know, but they don't care