IKpeazu Reveals Major Flaw In Nigerian Constitution, Makes Recommendations
Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has made a rather audacious call for a new Nigerian constitution which will evolve from the will of the people and not foisted on Nigerians like the present 1999 Constitution.
According to Governor Ikpeazu, the new Constitution will restructure the country and devolve more powers to the federating units, entrench resource control by the states, establish federal, state, and local government police formations and be more responsive to the protection of the rights of all citizens, as well as provide a level playing field where all Nigerians will be treated equally.
Governor Ikpeazu made these calls as Keynote Speaker at the 5th Osasu Show Symposium with the theme – STATE OF THE NATION, THE PEOPLE’S CONSTITUTION held at the International Conference Center in Abuja.
The Governor stated that the major fundamental flaw of the present constitution is that it lacks the ownership of the people which is a key ingredient that clothes Constitutions with the requisite legitimacy.
While elucidating on the sources of a Constitution, the Governor noted that the road to a proper constitution involves processes through which the voice and views of the people can be found.
“These could be through constitutional conferences, referenda, Acts of parliament, Judicial precedents, customs of the people, conventions, etc”.
Drawing inference from constitutions of other countries like the USA, Argentina, South Africa, Tanzania, etc, the Governor added what we currently have is a constitution handed down by military fiat complete with all the nuances of totalitarianism with a very powerful President, Governors and even Local Government Chairmen across the country.
This military mindset, the Governor added, is the reason for unduly concentrating powers in the federal government in areas where it ordinarily has no business with.
