Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has renewed calls for a new Nigerian constitution, citing the 1999 version as a major obstacle to the country’s progress.
She disclosed this in a post via her verified X handle on Wednesday.
Ezekwesili proposed a single-issue amendment to the 1999 Constitution, enabling citizens-led election of a Constituent Assembly and nationwide referendum.
She advocated for a representative People’s Constituent Assembly to lead dialogues, design processes, and draft a new constitution.
The former minister expressed concerns about INEC’s credibility after the 2023 elections and suggested an alternative mechanism for electing the Constituent Assembly.
Ezekwesili emphasised that the 1999 Constitution perpetuates regional stagnation and national underdevelopment, stressing the need for a new constitution that reflects shared values and aspirations.
“What we need now is the clearest action within the context of the current 1999 Constitution to move the growing conversation on Constitutional change forward.
“We need first, a “Single Issue Amendment” of the 1999 Constitution by @nassnigeria rather than their hundreds of marginal tweaks.
“Such a single issue provision into the 1999 Constitution will be clauses that allow for citizens-led election of a Constituent Assembly and countrywide Referendum on its recommendations,” she said.
*The Clamor for a New People’s Constitution for Nigerians*
Nigeria and Nigerians need a New Constitution that reflects our shared values, collective aspirations and common identity.
What we need now is the clearest action within the context of the current 1999 Constitution to…
— Oby Ezekwesili (@obyezeks) August 28, 2024
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