The Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) has criticized Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution as the root cause of many of the country’s persistent issues, including insecurity, unemployment, and corruption.
In an exclusive interview, CEPEJ’s National Coordinator, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, argued that the Constitution, handed down by the military, has been fundamental in creating and perpetuating Nigeria’s problems. He cited its centralized power structure, which he believes limits the autonomy of states and local governments, and contributes to uneven development and political tensions.
Mulade highlighted several constitutional weaknesses:
- Centralized Power: The Constitution grants significant power to the federal government, leaving states and local governments with limited resources and authority.
- Weak Checks and Balances: The concentration of power in the executive branch undermines oversight and accountability.
- Lack of Fiscal Federalism: There is inadequate framework for states to generate their own resources, leading to reliance on federal allocations.
- Ambiguity and Contradictions: Vague or contradictory provisions lead to varied interpretations and potential conflicts.
- Difficult Amendments: The cumbersome process for constitutional amendments hampers the ability to address emerging issues and adapt to changing needs.
Mulade, who is also a chief of Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State, called for a comprehensive review and realistic amendment of the Constitution to better address contemporary and future challenges. He stressed that the current framework fails to effectively address many issues and often only reveals its shortcomings when problems arise in specific sectors.
News Editor