1999 Constitution Will Keep Nigeria in Misery, Warns Anyaoku

Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has voiced strong criticism of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, urging the nation to adopt a genuinely federal system. He warned that without constitutional reform, Nigeria would continue to suffer from deep-seated challenges and stagnation.

Anyaoku spoke at the launch of *The Noble Academic and Patriot: A Biography of Emeritus Professor Akinjide Osuntokun*, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos. The event was attended by prominent figures, including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, former Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

Anyaoku asserted that Nigeria, as a pluralistic nation with diverse histories, cultures, and religions, must be governed by a constitution that respects and manages this diversity. “The universal lesson is that pluralistic countries which have survived as single political entities in unity and progress are those that address their pluralism with genuine federal constitutions. Examples of such countries are India, Canada, and Switzerland,” he stated. “Countries that failed to manage their pluralism with true federal constitutions eventually disintegrated, as seen in Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, and Sudan.”

He added that the root of Nigeria’s troubles lies not in its leadership but in the constraints of the current unitary constitution. “With the 1999 Constitution, not even Angel Gabriel or Mala’ika Jibril could tackle Nigeria’s challenges,” he remarked, citing issues such as insecurity, corruption, and poverty as consequences of the current system. Anyaoku urged the Federal Government and National Assembly to act urgently, calling for a return to a constitution based on the 1960/63 structure that was negotiated by Nigeria’s founding fathers.

Peter Obi, also present at the event, expressed concern over Nigeria’s tendency to celebrate individuals who do little to build the nation. “We are choosing the least among us to be our role models, and that is destroying our society,” Obi said, criticising the disparity in pay between educators and those he described as “thugs.”

Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who reviewed the biography of Professor Osuntokun, shared insights into the book’s creation, noting that Osuntokun granted extensive interviews to the authors, allowing them access to his library and archives. The book, Fayemi said, explores Osuntokun’s legacy and chronicles his commitment to education and nation-building.

Anyaoku’s appeal for constitutional change adds momentum to the growing calls for Nigeria to re-evaluate its system of governance, reflecting a widespread belief that constitutional reform is essential for the country’s stability and prosperity. Liam Payne’s Death Spurs Music Industry to Rethink Welfare