Elderstatesman, Emeka Anyaoku, Speaks Again , Urges Nigeria to Adopt a “People’s Democratic Constitution”

Cat:

Related stories

Breaking! Atiku Abubakar Quits PDP, Signals Major Political Shift Ahead of 2027 Elections

By Abiola Olawale A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has...

National Grid Crisis: Six Universities, MTN, NDA, 16 Others Exit Grid, Resort to Own Power Generation

By Yanju Uwala Six federal universities, telecom giant, MTN Nigeria,...

As the US, UAE Close its Doors, FG Pledges Diplomatic Resolution

Retired Envoys: Without Ambassadors, Nothing 'll change By Abiola...

What NATO Countries Spend on Military, Health, and Education

Key Takeaways Currently, every NATO member spends less on their military...

By Abiola Olawale

Renowned Nigerian Diplomat and the first African to serve as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has called for a transformative overhaul of Nigeria’s governance framework, advocating for a “People’s Democratic Constitution” to address the nation’s mounting challenges.

Speaking at a national Conference organised by The Patriots and Nigerian Political Summit Group on Wednesday in Abuja, Anyaoku underscored the urgent need for a new constitutional framework that truly represents the aspirations of the Nigerian people.

Anyaoku, who was also Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister during the Second Republic, criticized the 1999 Constitution, describing it as lacking democratic legitimacy and failing to accommodate Nigeria’s pluralistic society.

He said: “As a background to this summit, it is important to state the following indisputable facts that are recognised by all citizens, except, of course, those who want to continue to live in denial.

“Nigeria is a pluralistic country. Like all successful pluralistic countries around the world, for its political stability and maximal development, its constitution must address its pluralism by being formulated by elected representatives of its diverse peoples.

“Our present 1999 Constitution (as amended) is not such. It was not democratically formulated. It was, instead, imposed on the country through a decree by the military administration.

“And the governance system derived from it is not only non-inclusive but also induces over-expenditure of the country’s resources on administration rather than on capital development. Hence the need for a new Nigerian people’s democratic constitution.

Anyaoku also proposed the establishment of a National Constituent Assembly to draft a new constitution, suggesting a representation model of three individuals per state across Nigeria’s 36 states, plus one from the Federal Capital Territory.

He further advocated for the National Assembly to legislate provisions for a national referendum, allowing Nigerians to directly approve the new constitution.

“The draft constitution emerging from the Constituent Assembly should be subjected to a national referendum to give the people of Nigeria a chance to determine their future,” he added.

Subscribe

- Never miss a story with notifications

- Gain full access to our premium content

- Browse free from up to 5 devices at once

Latest stories

NDN
Latest News
Breaking! Atiku Abubakar Quits PDP, Signals Major Political Shift Ahead of 2027 ElectionsNational Grid Crisis: Six Universities, MTN, NDA, 16 Others Exit Grid, Resort to Own Power GenerationAs the US, UAE Close its Doors, FG Pledges Diplomatic ResolutionWhat NATO Countries Spend on Military, Health, and EducationNigeria: Flying Blind In The Global SpaceIs the world shutting its door on Nigeria?, By Dakuku Peterside[VIDEO] End of an Era!Tears as Buhari is Laid to Rest in DauraEnd of an Era: Massive Security Presence in Katsina as Nigerians Prepare for Buhari’s FarewellFemi Adesina Counters Critics, Says Buhari Would 've Died Before Now if He Used local HospitalsTribute To The Late Former President, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR[PHOTOS]Buhari: Tinubu Arrives Katsina for State BurialBreaking! Buhari’s Remains Arrive in Nigeria as Political Elites Gather in Daura for BurialEnd of an Era!Buhari's Remains depart London for Nigeria for Full State BurialOba Adetona's Burial: Fierce Race for Next Awujale of Ijebuland CommencesBuhari had no property in the UK, says Femi Adesina
X whatsapp