Constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, has asserted that ongoing amendments to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution will fail to resolve the country’s fundamental challenges, calling the document a “curse” on national growth.
Ozekhome emphasized that only a completely new, people-focused constitution can rescue Nigeria from its political, economic, and security predicaments.
“We require a new constitution that is driven by the people. You cannot amend a flawed document. A document already suffering from issues cannot simply be corrected,” he remarked during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, monitored by Tunexreportes.
He argued that the current constitution, imposed by the military in 1999, does not represent the populace and continues to centralize power in Abuja, undermining regional development and autonomy.
“It was forced upon us by a military regime. We need a people-centered constitution that genuinely reflects our aspirations,” he insisted, noting, “As it stands, this constitution hampers Nigeria’s development. No state is self-sufficient; all depend on Abuja, which is now excessively centralized and powerful — that’s why everyone gravitates there.”
Ozekhome criticized the presidential system modeled after that of the United States, labeling it “too expensive” and “unsustainable.”
“We allocate about 70 to 80 percent of our national budget to recurring expenses and debt servicing, leaving only 20 to 30 percent for capital projects. This cannot lead us anywhere.
“A parliamentary system is cheaper and more effective. Under that system, it is the political party that campaigns, not individual candidates requiring enormous funds for presidential or gubernatorial elections,” he explained.
He advocated for a return to the pre-1966 parliamentary system, allowing regional governments to manage their own resources and security.
“This would generate more revenue, create jobs, and significantly enhance security. When people own their local security and resources, insecurity tends to dissipate—it’s not complex,” he added.
Ozekhome likened current reform attempts to attempting to patch a crumbling structure instead of rebuilding it entirely.
“Don’t just fix the cracks; tear it down and start anew,” he advised.
He emphasized that a new constitution would effectively address pressing issues in Nigeria, such as poverty, food insecurity, and violence.
“Once power is decentralized, individuals will feel accountable and empowered to manage their own affairs, which promotes development,” he remarked.
Ozekhome mentioned that a decentralization would allow each region to create its own legislation, attract investments, develop infrastructure, and establish local policing that fits cultural contexts.
He also condemned the interests entrenched in central political power that resist restructuring due to fears of losing control.
“They argue against restructuring and local government autonomy, as power is concentrated at the center. This greed for central authority is detrimental to the nation,” he stated.
He asserted that even under a restructured Nigeria with regional constitutions, national unity could be preserved through equitable representation in a parliamentary system.
Ozekhome urged President Bola Tinubu to spearhead the campaign for a new constitution, recalling Tinubu’s previous advocacy for constitutional reform.
“Tinubu understands that a new constitution could resolve our issues. In the past, he joined the call for a people-centered constitution, and if he champions this cause, he will be remembered in history for more than any other accomplishment during his presidency,” Ozekhome concluded.
