Mr. Andrew Mamedu, the Country Director of ActionAid, in this interview, speaks on the renewed move for a new Constitution.
In view of the myriad of problems in the country, do you think a new constitution is what the nation needs at the moment?
Owing to the numerous challenges facing Nigeria, a radical amendment of the 1999 Constitution, rather than a new one, is the most viable solution at present. This approach will address the Constitution's shortcomings, including the overconcentration of power, outdated provisions, lack of proportional representation for marginalized groups, and limited citizen participation.
A comprehensive amendment process should be inclusive, participatory, and transparent, ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities, people living in poverty, women, and youth are heard and represented. By updating the Constitution to fit current realities, Nigeria can promote human rights, accountability, and good governance, ultimately building a better future for all citizens.
Majority of Nigerians have described this call by Anyaoku and others as misplaced. What can you say about it?
While a new constitution may be desirable in the long run, Nigeria's current challenges, such as economic hardship, insecurity, and social injustice, require immediate attention.
The country's existing Constitution, despite its shortcomings, has provided a framework for democratic governance and protection of citizens' rights. A more pressing priority should be to radically amend and update the current Constitution to address its limitations, rather than embarking on a potentially divisive and time-consuming process of drafting a new one. This approach will enable Nigeria to address its pressing challenges while still working towards a more perfect union.
What is the guarantee that a new constitution will give us good governance?
A new constitution, in itself, does not guarantee good governance; its effectiveness depends on various factors, including the political will of leaders, the strength of institutions, and the engagement of citizens. While a new constitution can provide a framework for good governance, it is not a magic solution or a silver bullet for Nigeria's challenges. The country needs to focus on building strong, independent institutions, promoting a culture of accountability and transparency, and ensuring that citizens are informed and active participants in the democratic process.
Moreover, leaders must be committed to upholding the constitution and serving the people, rather than personal interests. Therefore, rather than relying solely on a new constitution, Nigeria should prioritize institutional reform, leadership accountability, and citizen engagement to achieve good governance.
Should there be a constituent assembly and referendum to give for a new constitution, or is it an amendment as being done by the National Assembly that suffices?
A constituent assembly and referendum may be necessary for a comprehensive overhaul of the constitution, as it would allow for broader representation and inclusivity, a thorough examination of the constitution's foundation, and direct citizen participation in shaping their constitution, ultimately lending legitimacy and credibility to the new document.
However, if the National Assembly's amendment process is genuinely transparent, inclusive, and participatory, it can still effectively address the constitution's flaws and lead to meaningful reform, provided that citizens are engaged throughout the process, and their voices are heard and represented.
Either approach must prioritize transparency, accountability, and citizen involvement to produce a constitution that truly reflects the will of the Nigerian people and addresses the country's complex challenges.
Does the 1999 constitution make provision for a new constitution?
The current constitution, despite its imperfections, has served as a foundation for Nigeria's democracy. Rather than drafting a new one, we should focus on strengthening institutions, improving governance, ensuring effective implementation of existing laws, and even amending it to address our current situation in the country.
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This approach allows for targeted reforms, builds on established frameworks, and minimizes disruptions, providing a more pragmatic path forward for Nigeria's growth and development.
The youths, who constitute a larger percentage of the population are opposed to the call, insisting a new constitution is not what the nation needs...
Nigeria's pressing concerns, such as poverty and economic struggles, take precedence over creating a new constitution. Instead, we should focus on amending the existing constitution and making targeted changes to address critical areas like economic empowerment, education, and healthcare.
By making targeted amendments, we can create a more inclusive and progressive framework that benefits citizens, particularly the youth, and drives sustainable growth. Involving young people in this process ensures their perspectives shape Nigeria's future.
