Activist and former Minister, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has thrown her support behind the Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, activist Omoyele Sowore’s call for a new people-centered Nigerian constitution.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Ezekwesili emphasized the urgent need to overhaul the existing 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended).
The former Minister of Education’s endorsement followed the demand for a new people-centred Nigerian constitution during the August 1 to 10 protests and campaigns tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria led by Mr Sowore, through which Nigerians have been pushing for a comprehensive constitutional reform in the country.
Sowore, a leading figure in the movement, has been vocal about the need for a new constitution that truly reflects the aspirations and identities of all Nigerians. The current constitution, originally adopted in 1999, has been criticized for its perceived structural flaws that many believe hinder the country’s progress and unity.
Ezekwesili echoed Sowore’s demands, stressing the importance of taking decisive action to address the constitutional issues plaguing Nigeria. She proposed a strategic approach, starting with a “Single Issue Amendment” of the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly. According to her, this amendment should include clauses that enable a citizen-led election of a Constituent Assembly and a nationwide referendum on its recommendations, rather than the ineffective piecemeal adjustments that have characterized past constitutional reviews.
She further argued that a credible mechanism is needed to elect members of a representative People’s Constituent Assembly. This assembly would be tasked with guiding the process of constitutional change, including organizing dialogues, setting participation principles, and ultimately drafting a new constitution to be presented for a referendum.
Meanwhile, the ex-minister was clear in her stance against the involvement of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the constitutional reform process, citing the institution’s alleged loss of public trust following the conduct of the 2023 elections.
“God forbids anyone proposes that the integrity-challenged INEC should handle the election of members of a representative People’s Constituent Assembly for a New Constitution,” Ezekwesili stated, reflecting a broader sentiment of distrust in the electoral body.
The clamor for a new constitution is rooted in the belief that the 1999 Constitution contains structural defects that have held back Nigeria’s potential. These defects, critics argue, perpetuate inequality and inefficiency, making it difficult for the nation to progress collectively.
As the next stage of the #EndBadGovernance protests billed to commence in October 1, 2024, continue to gain momentum, the push for a new constitution is becoming a central issue in Nigeria’s political discourse.
With prominent voices like Ezekwesili and Sowore leading the charge, the movement seeks to galvanize public support and pressure the government into initiating the necessary steps towards a new constitutional order that aligns with the people’s will.
