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Constitutional review: Clamour to restructure Nigeria grows
The clamour to restructure Nigeria grows as the first series of public hearings organised by the Nigerian Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution took place in 12 centres across the country last week. Nigeria’s House of Representatives has also fixed the first to third of June for the Zonal public hearings on the review. Joining CNBC Africa to weigh the debates on Nigeria’s search for an improved constitution is Evans Ufeli, Constitutional Lawyer and Rights Advocate.
Mon, 31 May 2021 11:45:26 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- The importance of enforcing constitutional provisions alongside textual amendments
- The proposal to consider adopting the 1963 Constitution and its implications for Nigeria
- The challenges and prospects of amending the current constitution amidst growing calls for restructuring
The debate over the restructuring of Nigeria's constitution has been rekindled with the recent series of public hearings organized by the Nigerian Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution. The hearings, which took place in 12 centers across the country, have reignited discussions around the need for a more functional and inclusive governance framework. Joining CNBC Africa to provide insights on the ongoing constitutional review is Evans Ufeli, a Constitutional Lawyer and Rights Advocate. Ufeli highlighted some critical issues surrounding the current constitution and the challenges facing the amendment process. One key aspect he emphasized is the importance of not just amending the text of the constitution, but also ensuring that the people entrusted with implementing it adhere to its provisions. Ufeli pointed out instances where government officials have flouted constitutional mandates, raising concerns about the efficacy of mere textual amendments in the absence of proper enforcement mechanisms. A key point raised by Ufeli is the suggestion to consider adopting the 1963 Constitution, which introduced regionalism and facilitated economic growth during its time. While acknowledging the merits of the 1963 Constitution, Ufeli cautioned that its success was contingent on the caliber of leaders at that time and highlighted the need for a comprehensive assessment of the current system's compatibility with such a framework. The conversation around restructuring has gained momentum, with increasing voices advocating for change. However, Ufeli expressed reservations about the complexity of the amendment process, noting the rigorous steps required to enact substantive changes to the constitution. He underscored the challenges posed by the multi-stage amendment process, involving approvals from different legislative bodies and the stringent majority voting requirements. Despite these hurdles, Ufeli remains hopeful that meaningful amendments can address the fundamental issues plaguing the current constitution and pave the way for a more responsive and accountable governance system in Nigeria.
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