Politics
Nigeria: Towards A Workable Constitution
The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review made a bold attempt, penultimate week, to commence an innovative discourse with the people in 360 centres spread across the federal constituencies. The move, believed to be coming rather late, is aimed at addressing the disconnect between Nigerians and the 1999 Constitution decreed by the last military dictatorship.
This process of public participation is sequel to the ad hoc committee of the National Assembly which had collated more than 200 contents of the memoranda submitted by individuals, groups and organisations.
Some of the issues that constituted the agenda for the public discourse include zonal configuration, controversial immunity clause, state police, power sharing, five, six or seven-year single tenure for the executive arm of government, creation of more states, independent candidacy, voting age, women representation, unicameral legislature, presidential or parliamentary system of government, status of traditional rulers and further electoral reforms.
Stakeholders at both local and state levels had fresh opportunities to make further inputs into the constitution review process at the public sessions held across the country. More importantly, all mass-based groups, including professional bodies like the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU), Nigeria Union of Teachers, (NUT), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria labour Congress (NLC) and Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) played crucial roles at the sessions put together by an independent steering committee of stakeholders, including house member organisations representing the constituency as the facilitator.
Similarly, other stakeholders in the Nigerian project such as ethnic nationalities, women, youths, students, town unions, traditional institutions, political parties and artisans, and The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) made inputs in expectation of an enduring document that will actually define an egalitarian nation.
Determined to bring in their wealth of experience as captains of the ship of the 36 States,to bear on the very fundamental document that will direct the affairs of Nigeria in the next dispensation, the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) constituted various committees last month to look into the review of the 1999 constitution.
Chairman of the Forum, Chibuike Amaechi, while briefing newsmen in Abuja, said the NGF, after meeting with the Senate Committee vested with the responsibility to review the constitution, resolved to set up a committee consisting of the Governors of Rivers, Jigawa, Bauchi, Lagos, Niger, Anambra and Akwa-Ibom states, to liaise with the Deputy Senate President-led Constitution Review Committee to advise on issues that are of collective interest to them.
The Rivers State Governor said: “Forum held an exploratory meeting with the Senate Committee on 1999 Constitutional Review led by the Chairman and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and constituted a seven-man committee to engage and collaborate with the National Assembly on the constitution review process.”
But indications are that a few of the membership of the forum hold different opinion of what should actually be. Few days after the NGF announced the formation of the committee, Governor Aliyu Wamako of Sokoto State, at the presentation of the 2012 merit award on leadership and administration of peace on the governors of the North West states by the Raymond Dokpesi Centre for Media Development in Abuja, took a swipe at plans by the National Assembly to set in motion the review of the constitution, noting that what the country needs at present was not constitution review or creation of new states.
He stressed that Nigeria’s problem has gone beyond the proliferation of states but the sustenance of the existing ones, contending that Nigerian leaders should at this stage, which he described as the most critical, unite to examine measures that will lift the country from its present predicaments.
Wamako’s outburst seems to have introduced a new dimension into the collective position expected to come from the NGF whose individual member view is expected to be harmonised and presented to the National Assembly in a memorandum before the commencement of the public hearing.
The Sokoto State Governor is not alone in the expression of a divergent view on the review of the Constitution, his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Kwankwanso is totally displeased with the entire process, openly accusing the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Emeka Ihedioha of collaborating to foist an Igbo agenda on their colleagues. “It’s Igbo agenda”, Kwankwanso alleges.
Speaking with reporters in Kano, Kwankwanso said that the “process is designed to achieve a predetermined goal and the principal officers of the committee are pursuing an agenda under an agenda”. Senate President, David Mark, in a retort absolved the National Assembly of having a hidden agenda saying the National Assembly would be guided by the views of the majority of Nigerians.
However, while some Governors express reservations on the process, others are optimistic. One of those foreseeing positive outcome of the exercise is Governor Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State. He believes Nigeria will come out sronger if the National Assembly remains faithful and allows popular views to prevail in the on-going constitution review exercise.
Speaking at the People’s public session of the 1999 Constitution review forum organised by the three senators representing the state in the National Assembly, in Port Harcourt, Amaechi said, “it is important that the National Assembly carry us along in the process”.
Amaechi advocated for fiscal federalism, “we believe that if they move some of the funds to state governments, the citizens will be well protected”, arguing that though agitation for state creation was not bad, that some states were not viable and disclosed that the position of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) on some burning issues would be made public after their forthcoming meeting.
On his part, Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) of Lagos State sought a special status for the state because of its strategic importance to the nation. “If Lagos does not prosper, prosperity will be difficult for other parts of Nigeria,” Fashola said.
He also advocated that states should have their own police and be allowed a total control, management and creation of local government areas. Fashola, however, noted that the constitution itself was not an end, but a means to an end. “What Nigerians really want is not just a better document but a better life.”
Fashola said there should be true federalism, and that each state should be allowed to develop, based on its resources and ability, adding that the eventual overall prosperity of all the states will be the prosperity of the entire country. He reiterated the call for state police, noting that the current federal police structure lacked the capacity to effectively secure the entire country.
The governor of Osun State, Mr Rauf Aregbesola at one of the public hearings, said that the nation’s constitution was counterfeit and woven with fraudulent clauses that could not guarantee healthy development of Nigeria.
He observed that with the contents of the 1999 Constitution and its legal implications, true federalism and financial autonomy of federating units were being jettisoned, thus retarding socio-economic and political emancipation in the country.
Aregbesola, said in Osogbo, while addressing a cross section of people, civil society organisations and other stakeholders at the constitution amendment meeting, that the resolve of the House of Representatives to organise the interactive session was an afterthought.
Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, in his contribution in Lafia called for the total abolition of joint state/local governments account and the state police from the proposed review of 1999 Constitution. He based his argument on the belief that it would ensure effective implementation of development projects at the grassroots level.
Similarly, the Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, in Maiduguri, called for the review of the federal revanue allocation in favour of the state and local governments, as the governments were closest to the people.
He said “the constitutional provision under section 162(2) should be amended so as to allow flexibility to take care of political, economic and social forces and changes in the country.”
Shettima also called for the inclusion of defined roles for traditional rulers in the new constitution. He called for the recognition of the roles of traditional rulers in the Constitution for the development of the society. “If we feel our traditional rulers are not that important to government, why do we use them to help us in our campaigns against polio and other health challenges.
Why do we need their intervention on security issue, why should we consult them on governance and maintenance of peace and order in their domains?” Shettima queried. He said traditional institution had played prominent roles before and during colonial administration of their communities, recalling that “they were highly respected mobilisers of the people in support of government programmes and policies.”
The governor wondered why the traditional institution was given roles in the 1979 Constitution but omitted in the 1999 Constitution. Gov Shettima noted that traditional rulers had made immense contributions to the emergence of a united Nigeria socially, economically and politically. “Presently, traditional rulers and emirate councils are involved in security, tax collection, publicity and enlightenment campaigns in their areas of jurisdiction,” he disclosed even as he proposed that the funding of the traditional institution should come directly from the federation account.
In his submission, Governor Kayode Fayemi simply said he had no pre-stated position as the position of Ekiti people was his position. However, he said in the alternative to a sovereign national conference which has been the desire of many Nigerians, the peoples’ forum was an inevitable alternative.
Governor Fayemi said the people would have preferred a referendum but added that “since there is no provision for that (sovereign national conference) in the constitution, we’ll make do with what the National Assembly has given us.”
Amieyeofori Ibim
The Senate has confirmed Professor Joash Amupitan as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
The Red Chamber confirmed Amupitan after a voice vote conducted by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and after undergoing screening and answering questions posed by the lawmakers.
Amupitan had earlier arrived at the National Assembly complex earlier, exchanged pleasantries with Senators.
He was accompanied to the chamber by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Ododo, and other dignitaries.
At about 12:50 p.m., the nominee was ushered into the Senate chamber by the Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abubakar Lado, and was already seated ahead of the commencement of the exercise.
Amupitan was allowed into the hallowed chamber after the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), moved that Order 12 be set aside to allow visitors into the chamber, and he was seconded by the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio welcomed Amupitan, his family members, and well-wishers to the Red Chamber, commending them for their presence.
Before introducing himself to the Senators for the question and answer session to take off, Akpabio disclosed to his colleagues that the nominee had been cleared by the office of the National Security Adviser after vetting.
According to Akpabio, the office of the Department of State Services had also cleared him.
The Senate President also said that the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, having done a fingerprint search on him, cleared him and said that he had no criminal records with the police.
The screening exercise commenced at about 12:55 p.m. following Akpabio’s opening remarks, during which he outlined the procedures to be followed by the lawmakers in considering the nominee’s credentials.
The screening session focused on Amupitan’s vision for credible elections, his plans for institutional reforms within INEC, and measures to deepen the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Following his confirmation by the Senate, Amupitan will oversee preparations for upcoming off-cycle governorship elections and lay the groundwork for the 2027 general elections.
The Tide source earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu had nominated Amupitan, a Professor of Law from the University of Jos, to succeed Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
The President’s letter conveying Amupitan’s nomination was read on the floor of the Senate by Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Dean of the Faculty of Law at the University of Jos, Amupitan, is widely regarded for his expertise in constitutional and international law.
He said, although he was deeply concerned about some governors and lawmakers defecting to the APC, the party was working quietly behind the scenes to stabilise its ranks and rebuild public trust.
“If you ask me whether I’m concerned about our governors leaving for APC, I am more than concerned. But leadership is a burden. As a leader of a group of equal status, I cannot determine the decisions or inactions of my colleagues, but certainly, a lot of work is being done behind the scenes,” he said.
The Bauchi governor accused the APC-led federal government of using coercive tactics to weaken the opposition, saying the ruling party was bent on turning Nigeria into a one-party state.
“You know the style of leadership of the APC-led federal government in trying to make this country a one-party state. They have the power of coercion; they have the power of everything,” he said.
Governor Mohammed, however, maintained that the defections would not derail the PDP’s resurgence, stressing that most Nigerians at the grassroots remained loyal to the party.
“Even those who left are not finding it easier because most of the people at the grassroots level are PDP and are not happy with the defections. Sometimes it is done because of permutations and calculations. But I assure you I am not going anywhere. I am in PDP, and my state has no element of division,” he explained.
Governor Mohammed revealed that more defections could occur, including from lawmakers in his state, but insisted the PDP structure in Bauchi remained solid.
“Even today, I saw in the news that one of my senators is going. They are being controlled, they are being bought, but certainly, the state is PDP. Nigerians want change, and they believe they can get it through the PDP,” he stated.
The governor emphasised that the PDP had laid the foundation for most of Nigeria’s measurable achievements under successive governments and that the party remained the only credible platform capable of providing national renewal.
“Most of the measurable achievements by the federal government were done by PDP regimes. By the grace of God, if we stand firm, we will deliver. Some of us who won as governors were not even considered capable, and here we are. That’s what will play out in 2027,” he said.
Addressing concerns over potential threats to the forthcoming convention, the PDP stalwart said the party leadership was working to resolve internal disputes and litigations aimed at destabilising preparations.
“I cannot speak for the National Working Committee, but as a leader within the party, I know they are doing their best to address issues of litigations. Many are artificially created to undermine us, but we don’t have any faction in the PDP,” he said.
He noted that while some individuals had approached the courts to stop the party’s convention, the PDP remained more organised than most opposition parties.
“Comparatively, most of the other parties are not better off than us. We are better off than most opposition parties. We are the only ones intact; with one National Secretary, one National Chairman, and one Publicity Secretary. This meeting gives hope that at the end of the day, we will deliver,” he said.
On reports of Governor Peter Mbah’s rumoured defection from the PDP, Governor Mohammed said Governor Mbah had not formally declared any intention to leave and remained a respected colleague.
“Actually, Governor Mbah has not told us his position. It is a personal decision. We cannot remove his picture before he leaves. When he leaves, we will replace him with another person. Up till now, he has not told me he’s leaving,” he said.
He also dismissed speculation surrounding Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, describing him as a loyal member of the PDP who had endured significant challenges in office.
“He has not left the party; he is still PDP. Everybody has his own style. He is a humble young man who has gone through so much and has done well to accommodate all the problems and challenges he found himself in,” he said.
Commenting on speculations about a possible 2027 presidential project involving former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Bauchi governor said the PDP remained open to prominent figures who wished to return or associate with the party.
“People are still interested in this party, and these big names being associated with us make us happy. As governors, we have resolved to put personal interests aside. We are united and will come up with leadership that will be the best choice for Nigerians to put in Aso Rock, inshallah,” he stated.
Governor Mohammed reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP and expressed optimism that new, visionary leaders would emerge from the party in 2027 to defeat what he called the APC’s ‘deceptive’ style of politics.
“If somebody goes, just like a bird, they go, they come. Please, don’t blame anybody at the governors’ level; we are doing our best, but it is beyond our control,” he said.
In a statement following his recent visit to the United States and Rome, Mr Obi said he used the pilgrimage as an opportunity to seek divine intervention for Nigeria’s unity, peace, and responsible leadership.
He stated that after addressing members of the Friendship Club in the US and speaking at the 1st Ubuntu African Youth Assembly in Washington, he proceeded to Rome to join his wife for a spiritual retreat.
“With hearts full of gratitude, we thanked God that, despite our differences and the many challenges faced over 65 years of independence, He has kept us together as one nation,” Mr Obi said.
During the pilgrimage, the couple visited the four major Papal Basilicas in Rome — St. Mary Major, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. John Lateran, and St. Peter’s Basilica — where they met with other Nigerian pilgrims.
“Along the way, we met many Nigerian pilgrims: men and women of faith whose faces shone with quiet hope. Together, we renewed our trust in God’s mercy and in the promise of a better Nigeria,” he added.
Reaffirming his faith in both divine providence and civic duty, Mr Obi maintained that prayer must be matched with personal and collective effort.
“Faith does not absolve us of responsibility; it calls us to action. We must each continue to do our part, with honesty, diligence, and love, for our nation’s healing and progress,” he said.
Mr Obi was accompanied by his wife, Margaret, during the pilgrimage, which also included an audience with His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, at the Vatican City.
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