Former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku has voiced strong opinions on the need for constitutional reform in Nigeria. According to Anyaoku, the country’s 1999 constitution is flawed and hinders genuine progress, regardless of leadership efforts. He asserts that any meaningful transformation in Nigeria’s governance requires a comprehensive constitutional overhaul to address issues of federalism, resource control, and political accountability.
Anyaoku’s perspective emphasizes that the current constitution limits the power of states to operate independently, a factor he believes is essential for Nigeria’s development. He argues that a return to true federalism would enable the country’s regions to harness their resources and manage their affairs more effectively. Without such a structure, Anyaoku suggests, no leadership—no matter how capable—could bring Nigeria the stability and growth it seeks.
He further warned that the persistence of the current constitutional structure only perpetuates inefficiencies and deep-seated challenges in governance. His call for change echoes the sentiment of many Nigerian leaders and scholars who advocate for a constitution that better reflects Nigeria’s diversity and aspirations.
