By Onilede Titi Faith
Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, says Nigeria’s deep-rooted challenges can only be effectively tackled through the adoption of a credible, people-driven constitution.
Speaking at a public policy dialogue in Abuja, Anyaoku described the 1999 Constitution as flawed and unrepresentative of the will of Nigerians.
He said the document, a legacy of military rule, continues to fuel political instability, insecurity, economic stagnation, and regional divisions.
He argued that only a constitution anchored on true federalism; one that devolves more powers and resources to the states, can halt Nigeria’s steady decline.
The current centralised structure, he said, breeds inefficiency and stifles development.
Anyaoku urged the political class and civil society to push for a genuine constitution-making process that involves broad national consultation.
Such a move, he said, would give Nigerians a sense of ownership in governance and strengthen democracy.
He warned that without addressing the country’s constitutional foundation, other reforms will only yield temporary results.
Anyaoku’s remarks come as calls for restructuring, state policing, and constitutional amendments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
