The Misplaced Urgency of a New Constitution By Rabi Ummi Umar

The Misplaced Urgency of a New Constitution

By Rabi Ummi Umar

In response to the editorial published by Daily Trust on Monday, August 19th, titled “New Constitution Not A Priority Now,” it is important to reassess the growing push for constitutional change in Nigeria. While the call for a new constitution is fueled by genuine concerns, it may not be the most pressing issue in the face of our nation’s current economic and social challenges.

A recent visit by “The Patriots,” a group of distinguished Nigerians led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, to President Bola Tinubu had reignited the debate on whether Nigeria needs a new constitution. Chief Anyaoku argued that as a pluralistic society, Nigeria should adopt a federal constitution that mirrors those of nations like India and Canada—countries that have successfully managed their diversity. He cautioned that neglecting to address Nigeria’s pluralism could lead to national disintegration.

This perspective, though rooted in genuine concern, overlooks the current realities facing Nigeria. Our nation is grappling with profound economic and social challenges. The editorial in the Daily Trust rightly asserts that now is not the time for a new constitution. The resources and attention required for such an endeavor would be better spent addressing the immediate needs of Nigerians.

Yet, while the 1999 Constitution is not without its flaws, the notion that Nigeria needs an entirely new constitution is, in my view, misguided. Many Nigerians believe that the constitution unfairly centralizes power in the federal government, leaving states with limited autonomy and control over resources. The solution, however, is not to discard the current constitution entirely, but to amend it.

A targeted amendment could correct these imbalances by devolving more power to the states, allowing them to manage their own resources and address their unique challenges. This approach would be more pragmatic and cost-effective, preserving the continuity of governance while making necessary adjustments to the constitutional framework.

Moreover, any amendment process must be inclusive, ensuring that all Nigerians have a voice in shaping the future of our nation. Broad stakeholder engagement is crucial to crafting reforms that reflect the diverse aspirations of our people.

The Daily Trust editorial made a crucial point: the problem lies not in the constitution itself, but in the failure of those in power to uphold its principles. If our leaders had faithfully adhered to the constitutional provisions, many of the current challenges might have been avoided. The issue is not merely one of constitutional design, but of leadership and accountability.

Given the dire economic situation, it is difficult to justify the expense and distraction that would accompany the drafting of a new constitution. The focus should be on economic recovery, governance reform, and addressing the immediate needs of the populace.

President Tinubu’s decision to prioritize economic reform over constitutional change is a wise one. The resources that would be poured into drafting a new constitution could be better used to alleviate the economic hardships faced by millions of Nigerians.

In conclusion, while constitutional reform is undoubtedly necessary, it must be pursued with caution, foresight, and at the right time. The current push for a new constitution is a misplaced priority that risks diverting attention from the urgent challenges facing our nation. Instead, we should focus on amending the existing constitution to better serve the needs of all Nigerians.

Rabi Ummi Umar, a student of Al-Hikmah University Ilorin, is on internship with PRNigeria. She can be reached via: [email protected].