Editor
The political landscape in Nigeria is once again electrified with contentious debates and urgent calls for action. The latest spark in this charged atmosphere comes from an unexpected source: Senator Seriake Dickson, former Governor of Bayelsa State and a current member of the National Assembly. On August 22, 2024, during an interview on Arise TV, Dickson made a bold declaration that could be seen as the beginning of a significant shift in Nigeria’s political discourse. He asserted that the “Fundamental Constitutional Reconstruction of Nigeria is an urgent imperative,” a statement that aligns with the longstanding demands of the Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-determination (NINAS).
A Nation at a Crossroads
Nigeria has long been plagued by its deeply flawed 1999 Constitution, which many argue was imposed without the genuine consent of the people it governs. This document, a relic of military rule, has created a Unitary system of governance that stifles the federalist principles Nigeria was initially built upon. As a result, the country has been crippled by systemic failures, widespread corruption, and a growing disconnect between the government and its citizens.
Senator Dickson’s remarks on the necessity of a National Dialogue to kickstart the process of constitutional reconstruction are, therefore, not just timely but crucial. However, his statements, while commendable, are not without their gaps. NINAS, the coalition that has been at the forefront of the struggle for a true federal Nigeria, has taken note of these gaps and has offered a more comprehensive roadmap for the country’s redemption.
The NINAS Proposition: A Clear Path to Redemption
NINAS has been vocal about the need for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s constitutional framework. The coalition’s 5-Point Transitioning Proposition, outlined in its Constitutional Force Majeure Proclamation of December 16, 2020, provides a detailed blueprint for this overhaul. According to NINAS, any meaningful constitutional reconstruction must begin with an acknowledgment of the problems posed by the current Unitary Constitution.
The first point of the NINAS proposition is clear: Nigeria’s problems stem from the illegitimacy of the 1999 Constitution. This document, which centralises power in the hands of the federal government, has rendered the states and local governments powerless, leading to widespread inefficiency and corruption. The second point of the proposition identifies the solution: a return to true federalism, where power is decentralized and the diverse ethnic nationalities that make up Nigeria are allowed to govern themselves within a united framework.
Seriake Dickson’s Imperative: A First Step, But Not Enough
Senator Dickson’s recognition of the need for constitutional reconstruction is a significant step forward. However, NINAS argues that his proposals do not go far enough. Dickson’s call for a National Dialogue, while necessary, is only the beginning. The real work lies in addressing the fundamental flaws of the current constitution and creating a new one that truly reflects the will of the people.
One of the critical issues that Dickson’s proposals fail to address is the distinction between constitution-making and constitution-drafting. As NINAS points out, many of those in power do not understand the difference between the two. Constitution-making is a process that involves the active participation of the people and their representatives, while constitution-drafting is merely the technical process of writing down the agreed-upon principles. Without a proper understanding of this distinction, any attempt at constitutional reconstruction is doomed to fail.
Furthermore, NINAS highlights the limitations of the National Assembly in this process. The legislative mandate of the National Assembly does not extend to constitution-making, a fact that Dickson’s proposals seem to overlook. The National Assembly can only amend the existing constitution, not create a new one. This means that any meaningful constitutional reconstruction must come from outside the National Assembly, through a process that involves all the constituent parts of Nigeria.
The Urgency of Now: Nigeria’s Ticking Time Bomb
Nigeria is at a critical juncture. The country is teetering on the brink of collapse, with increasing violence, economic instability, and social unrest. The 1999 Constitution, which was supposed to be the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy, has instead become a ticking time bomb, threatening to blow the country apart.
NINAS argues that the time for half-measures and superficial reforms is over. The situation is too dire for anything less than a complete reset of Nigeria’s constitutional framework. This reset must be based on the principles of true federalism, where power is devolved to the states and the diverse ethnic nationalities that make up Nigeria are allowed to govern themselves.
The NINAS proposition offers a clear path forward. It lays out not only what the problem is and what the solution is, but also how and when the solution should be applied. It calls for a Sovereign National Conference, where all the ethnic nationalities in Nigeria can come together to negotiate a new social contract. This new contract would then be put to a referendum, allowing the people to decide their own future.
Political Merchants vs. The People’s Will
One of the most striking aspects of Senator Dickson’s statements is how they contrast with the views of many of his colleagues in the government. The “political merchants,” as NINAS refers to them, have shown time and again that they are more interested in maintaining the status quo than in addressing the root causes of Nigeria’s problems. These political elites have benefitted enormously from the current system, and they have little incentive to change it.
However, the growing disconnect between the government and the people is becoming increasingly apparent. The failure of the 1999 Constitution to address the needs and aspirations of the Nigerian people has led to widespread disillusionment with the political system. This disillusionment is manifesting itself in various ways, from increased calls for secession to rising levels of violence and unrest.
NINAS argues that the only way to bridge this gap between the government and the people is through a process of genuine constitutional reconstruction. This process must be led by the people themselves, not by the political elites who have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
Senator Seriake Dickson’s call for a National Dialogue on Nigeria’s constitutional future is a significant step forward, but it is only the beginning. The real challenge lies in addressing the fundamental flaws of the current constitution and creating a new one that truly reflects the will of the people.
NINAS has laid out a clear roadmap for this process, one that involves the active participation of all the ethnic nationalities in Nigeria. This process must begin with an acknowledgment of the illegitimacy of the 1999 Constitution and a commitment to true federalism. Only then can Nigeria hope to achieve the unity, peace, and prosperity that have so long eluded it.
As Nigeria wobbles dangerously towards chaos and collapse, the time for action is now. The political elites may be content to tinker around the edges, but the people of Nigeria deserve nothing less than a complete reset of the country’s constitutional framework. The stakes are too high for anything less. The future of Nigeria depends on it.
This report, grounded in the context of Senator Seriake Dickson’s statements and NINAS’s response, is a critical examination of Nigeria’s current constitutional crisis and the urgent need for a fundamental reset. It delves into the complexities of the situation, the limitations of the current political discourse, and the clear solutions offered by NINAS for Nigeria’s redemption.
