Ezekwesili Urges NASS to Draft a New Constitution for Nigeria

Oby Ezekwesili calls on the National Assembly to create a new constitution for Nigeria, emphasizing the need for reform to address the country’s evolving challenges.

On Wednesday, Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education asserted that Nigeria is in need of a fresh constitution which ought to embody the nation’s values and ambitions.

In a post on X entitled “The Demand for a Revised Constitution by the Nigerian Population,” she expressed her opinions.

Ezekweili suggests that Nigeria and its citizens require a fresh Constitution that embodies our mutual principles, unified ambitions, and shared sense of belonging.

To propel the ongoing discussion about Constitutional reform, we require transparent measures aligned with the existing 1999 Constitution.

Instead of making numerous small changes, @nassnigeria should prioritize a “Single Issue Amendment” to the 1999 Constitution.

Including clauses in the 1999 Constitution which enable citizens to elect a Constituent Assembly and conduct a nationwide Referendum on its proposals would constitute an exclusive matter.

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“The implementation of a trustworthy procedure is imperative as our second task. This process will aid in the selection of qualified individuals for membership to represent the People’s Constituent Assembly, responsible for facilitating and overseeing dialogues by forming guidelines on processes, prioritizing agendas, moderating discussions and liaising with relevant public institutions and citizens. In addition to drafting the Constitution that caters to public interest, it will be presented openly followed by voting via Referendum.”

It is unacceptable for anyone to suggest that the questionable integrity of @inecnigeria be trusted with conducting an election for representatives in a People’s Constituent Assembly tasked with creating a new constitution, as such actions go against God’s will.

The 2023 elections had caused that institution to suffer a depletion of its social capital and the essential public confidence, which are both integral elements in establishing reliability and respectability.

The dominant feature of the 1999 Constitution that impedes Nigeria and Nigerians from excelling in all regions of the country is its structural defect.

To reverse our country’s current state, we must take honest responsibility for this Constitutional issue. Delaying action is not an option; it needs to happen immediately. Act now.