Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has called for a new constitution as the path forward for Nigeria, emphasizing its importance in ending the “unprecedented level of divisiveness and declining sense of national unity” plaguing the nation.
Anyaoku made this declaration during his address at the 2023 Convocation Lecture of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, titled, “Management of Diversity: A Major Challenge to Governance in Pluralistic Countries.”
Anyaoku stressed the need for a governmental system that not only acknowledges Nigeria’s diverse population but is also founded upon a constitution that truly represents the will of the Nigerian people.
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“The essence of the new Constitution should, in recognition of the crucial principle of subsidiarity in every successful federation, involve a devolution of powers from the central government to fewer and more viable federating units with strong provisions for inclusive governance at the center and in the regions as was agreed by Nigeria’s founding fathers,” he said.
The former Commonwealth scribe pointed out that Nigeria effectively managed its diversity in the early years of independence when it was perceived as a source of strength and national unity. However, this unity began to erode following military intervention in the country’s governance in January 1966, which led to a change in the existing constitution.
Anyaoku noted that prior to the military intervention, the Nigerian Constitution ensured the security of life and property, fostering a faster pace of economic development in the regions. Healthy competition among regions facilitated rapid development across the nation. Today, Nigeria faces significant challenges, including an “unprecedented level of divisiveness,” declining national unity, economic stagnation, insecurity, poor infrastructure, and ethical decay.
Despite these challenges, Anyaoku expressed his belief in Nigeria’s potential for restoration. He stated, “I believe that Nigeria is still salvageable. The country can still be restored to greater peace, greater security, a renewed sense of national unity, greater political stability, and a more assured pace of economic development.”
To achieve this transformation, Anyaoku urged the federal government to acknowledge the necessity of a new constitution made by the people of Nigeria, rather than continuing to amend the 1999 Constitution.
He recommended the immediate convening of a National Constituent Assembly, consisting of directly elected representatives on a non-party basis. Their task would be to discuss and agree on a new constitution, taking into account the 1963 and 1999 Constitutions, as well as the recommendations of the 2014 national conference.
Anyaoku proposed a timeline for this process, suggesting that the Constituent Assembly be given six months to produce the draft new Constitution. Once agreed upon, the draft constitution should be subject to a national referendum for adoption by a majority of voters, after which it should be signed by the President.
Aare Afe Babalola, the founder of Afe Babalola University, commended Anyaoku for his lecture, noting that it aligned with his long-standing calls for a new constitution to address Nigeria’s challenges. Babalola said that the new constitution should also address the issue of Nigerian leaders viewing politics as a lucrative business rather than a service to the people.
He expressed his belief that a new constitution is the key to achieving the necessary changes in the country, and he highlighted the role of institutions like Afe Babalola University in nurturing leaders who can positively impact Nigeria.