Elder statesman, Emeka Anyaoku, advocates new constitution for Nigeria

Elder statesman, Emeka Anyaoku, advocates new constitution for Nigeria

Former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku, has expressed his deep concerns about the current situation in Nigeria and has called for the drafting of a new constitution.

Anyaoku delivered this message during the 2023 Convocation Lecture at Afe Babalola University in the Ekiti State capital, Ado Ekiti.

Under the theme “Management of Diversity: A Major Challenge to Governance in Pluralistic Countries,” Anyaoku focused on Nigeria’s historical success in managing its diverse population during the early years of its independence. He emphasized that the way forward for Nigeria involves the creation of a new constitution to address the ongoing deterioration within the country.

Anyaoku stated, “It is an undeniable fact that Nigeria’s diversity was more effectively managed during the early years of our country’s independence. During that period, Nigeria’s diversity was seen as a source of strength and a unifying factor.”

He called on the Presidency, in consultation with the National Assembly, to acknowledge the urgent need for a new constitution rather than continuously amending the 1999 Constitution.

Anyaoku outlined practical steps for the Federal Government, saying, “First, convene a National Constituent Assembly comprising representatives who are directly elected on a non-partisan basis. Their task would be to discuss and reach a consensus on a new Constitution for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Anyaoku argued that prior to military intervention, there was greater security for people and their property, as well as faster economic development in different regions. This progress was attributed to healthy competition among regions, which facilitated rapid development across the nation.

The founder of ABUAD, Afe Babalola, praised Anyaoku for advocating a new constitution as a means to transform the country. He noted that the provisions within the 1999 Constitution have led politicians to treat politics as a business venture, underscoring the urgent need for a new constitution. Babalola shared that he has been advocating for a revised Nigerian Constitution for three decades and stressed that the effective management of diversity in a pluralistic country like Nigeria hinges on the development of a new constitution by the Federal Government and the National Assembly.