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Revisiting Awo’s ideas for a modern Nigeria – Daily Trust
“Only a federal constitution can foster unity with concord” – Obafemi Awolowo
Nigeria’s constitutional history is a tale of unmet aspirations and unfulfilled promises. Since gaining independence in 1960, the country has struggled to craft a constitution that truly reflects its diverse population and fosters equitable development, accepted by all. The current 1999 Constitution, ‘imposed’ by military decree, is widely criticised for concentrating too much power at the centre, lacking popular legitimacy, and suppressing regional autonomy—issues that have fueled socio-economic challenges and political discontent. This is responsible for the current power struggle at the centre where each region fights to produce the president.
Previous attempts at reform, such as the 2005 National Political Reform Conference under President Olusegun Obasanjo, failed to produce a new constitution, highlighting the need for a more inclusive, people-driven approach. Today, groups like “The Patriots,” alongside a chorus of civil society voices, are demanding a new constitutional framework to address these longstanding flaws.
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Obafemi Awolowo, one of Nigeria’s founding fathers, championed federalism as the cornerstone of a stable and prosperous Nigeria. In his 1947 book, Path to Nigerian Freedom, he argued that only a federal constitution could accommodate the country’s ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity while ensuring national unity and equitable development. His advocacy shaped the 1954 Lyttleton Constitution, which introduced federalism by granting significant autonomy to Nigeria’s then-three regions, as the federating units. Awolowo believed centralised power would lead to domination by a few, breeding resentment and instability. What Awolowo perhaps couldn’t fathom then, was how the absolute power vested in one individual, the President at the centre and the governors in the states, could make them semi-dictators in their domain. So, Awolowo envisioned a system where regions could manage their affairs, harness their resources, and compete constructively—driving progress nationwide.
As Premier of the Western Region, Awolowo translated this vision into action. Under his leadership, the region saw remarkable advancements in education, infrastructure, and industry—proof of federalism’s potential to unlock local innovation and growth. His daughter, Ambassador Awolowo Dosumu, has emphasised that federalism was not just her father’s idea but a consensus among Nigeria’s founding fathers, underpinning a golden era of regional development in the 1950s and early 1960s. That is why both the north, under Ahmadu Bello’s leadership, and the east under Micheal Okpara’s, recorded significant developmental strides that remain impactful till date. However, the military coups of 1966 and the subsequent shift to centralised governance disrupted this model, setting the stage for today’s constitutional and socio-economic challenges. And since then the calls for constitutional reforms had remain persistent.
Presently, the clamour for constitutional reform has reached a crescendo. Groups like “The Patriots,” led by figures such as Chief Emeka Anyaoku, argue that the 1999 Constitution is fundamentally flawed—unworkable and unrepresentative of Nigeria’s plural society. They opine that its military origins, its over-centralisation of power, and its failure to address pressing issues like insecurity, poverty, and governance inefficiencies as some of the highlights of its failure. At its just concluded national summit, “The Patriots” have called for a complete overhaul, proposing a constituent assembly elected on a non-partisan basis to draft a new constitution.
Their major demands include:
True Federalism: Devolving more powers to states or regions for greater autonomy.
Fiscal Federalism: Allowing states to control and benefit from their resources.
State Police: Empowering states to tackle security challenges effectively.
Electoral Reforms: Ensuring free and fair elections, including provisions for independent candidacy and penalties for political defectors.
Cost of Governance: Reducing excesses, such as limiting the number of ministers.
These calls resonate beyond “The Patriots,” uniting civil society, ethnic nationality groups, and ordinary Nigerians who see constitutional reform as essential to addressing the nation’s despair. The urgency is palpable: without change, Nigeria risks deeper crises of legitimacy and stability. No doubt, a federal constitution is vital to managing Nigeria’s diversity and fostering development. However, emphasis on decentralisation and autonomy as antidotes to the inefficiencies and inequities of centralised rule might not solve other deeper challenges. As some would argue that with the current attitude of state governors, where most of them behave like emperors in their respective states giving them more power would create chaos rather than order. Thus, the modern context demands updates to Awolowo’s framework. Where he envisioned federalism based on a few large regions, Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT today suggest a state-based federal structure might better suit current realities, offering more tailored governance. So it could be true that while the current calls for a brand new constitution might address old challenges certain new challenges that might arise also need to be taken care of. Innovations, technological advancements, globalisation, and the Nigerians in Diaspora’s growing role require constitutional provisions. Awolowo could not have foreseen a scenario—such as digital governance frameworks or voting rights for citizens abroad. Gender inclusion, too, has emerged as a priority, with advocates pushing for affirmative action to boost women’s representation. Despite these differences, the underlying principle remains unchanged: empowering sub-national units to drive progress while preserving national unity. But with this new role restraints must be put in place to ensure that state governors and the chairmen of LGAs do not become emperors with unrestrained power.
Resolving Nigeria’s constitutional crisis requires a clear, inclusive, and actionable plan. The president should submit an executive bill to the National Assembly, authorising the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections for a constituent assembly. This leverages the existing legal framework while pushing for transformative change. The constituent assembly must be elected on a non-partisan basis, ensuring representation from all societal segments—women, youth, ethnic minorities, civil society, and more. This diversity will lend legitimacy and breadth to the process. The draft should undergo nationwide debate and be put to a referendum, ensuring it reflects the people’s will and secures broad acceptance. The new constitution must be enacted with robust accountability mechanisms to prevent misuse and ensure its promises are fulfilled.
Hassan can be reached through [email protected]
This approach might be ambitious but feasible, as it balances legal practicality with the need for radical reform. However, challenges remain. Political elites who benefit from the status quo may resist, and ensuring the assembly isn’t hijacked by vested interests will require vigilance. Moreover, constitutional change alone isn’t a panacea—it must be paired with anti-corruption efforts, economic policies, and initiatives to strengthen social cohesion.
Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, the confidence in government is at its lowest ebb, its constitutional and socio-economic crisis have become barriers to democratic progress and national prosperity. Yet, hope lies in the synergy of Obafemi Awolowo’s federalist vision and the bold demands of today’s patriots. A new constitution, rooted in true federalism and forged through an inclusive process, can address the flaws of the 1999 framework and unlock Nigeria’s potential but also give confidence in the people for being part of a document that would determine how they are governed. The time for action is now. Government, civil society, and citizens must unite to seize this opportunity. Nevertheless, without respect for the rule of law, commitment to good governance and responsible leadership which bring about complementary economic policies, anti-corruption measures, and social cohesion, the dream of a prosperous Nigeria will remain elusive. Thus, as the National Assembly currently engages Nigerians to deliberate in an attempt to perfect a document that not only promises change but delivers it let’s remember that history tells us that document alone is not worth the paper on which it is written unless off course the people are willing to make it operationally sacred.
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