- DCONNECTNEWS.COM.NG - A La Une - 16/Jul 19:03

Emergency National Constitutional Summit Resumes Thursday at New Venue

....Anyaoku Declares 1999 Constitution "Imposed", Falana Slams Judiciary, Obasanjo tasked government operators, Baba Ahmed charges for Citizens Constitution, Shettimah calls for  restructuring of Nigeria as Confab adjourns to Thursday A wave of fiery speeches and bold declarations swept through Abuja on Wednesday as Nigeria’s top statesmen, legal minds, and political actors gathered for the opening of the National Constitutional Summit, an emergency conference convened to address the country’s growing constitutional, governance and security crises. The summit resumes Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at a new venue—the Conference Hall of NICON Luxury Hotel.Organised by The Patriots in collaboration with the Nigerian Political Summit Group (NPSG), the summit’s first day was marked by blunt indictments of the 1999 Constitution, searing criticism of the judiciary and legislature, and urgent calls for a new people-driven constitutional order. According to the organisers, more dignitaries are expected on Thursday, including those returning from Daura, where former President Muhammadu Buhari was recently laid to rest.Anyaoku: 1999 Constitution Is “Military-Imposed, Unfit for Nigeria”In a rousing keynote address, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and Chairman of The Patriots, denounced the 1999 Constitution as a “military-imposed decree” that has failed Nigeria's multi-ethnic makeup and stifled national development.“Our present 1999 Constitution... was not democratically formulated,” Anyaoku declared. “It was imposed through a military decree and has produced a system of governance that is both non-inclusive and wasteful—prioritizing administrative overheads over development.”He cited Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, pervasive poverty, youth disillusionment, and weakening national unity as direct consequences of the current constitutional structure. Rejecting the argument that leadership alone is Nigeria’s problem, Anyaoku insisted that a flawed constitutional system breeds weak leadership.“The character of those elected or appointed is largely shaped by the constitution from which the governance system is derived,” he said, calling for a new democratic constitution, to be drafted by elected representatives and ratified through a national referendum.Falana Slams Judiciary, Legislature Over Electoral ReformsIn one of the most impassioned speeches of the day, prominent human rights lawyer Chief Femi Falana SAN accused Nigeria’s judiciary—especially the Supreme Court—of sabotaging efforts to introduce electronic voting technologies that would secure credible elections.“I say without fear of contradiction that Nigerian courts are totally opposed to any form of electronic voting,” Falana thundered. “They ruled card readers illegal, made BVAS optional, and continue to frustrate reforms.”He also blasted the National Assembly, describing its ongoing constitutional amendment process as a “sham” and expressing doubt in its willingness to pass legislation that would mandate electronic transmission of election results.Falana concluded with a dire warning: “The only way you can throw away the 1999 Constitution is through a revolution. The current political class is too invested in this broken system.”Obasanjo Counters: “It’s the Operators, Not Just the Constitution”In a message delivered on his behalf by the Secretary General of The Patriots, former President Olusegun Obasanjo offered a nuanced counterpoint. While acknowledging the need for constitutional reforms, he asserted that the real challenge lies with those entrusted to operate the Constitution.“No matter how good a Constitution is, it can be distorted by self-serving operators,” he wrote. “Unless the character of our leaders changes, Nigeria will remain trapped in selfishness, corruption, and impunity.”Obasanjo criticized the political leadership of the last 15 years for ignoring morality, decency, and national interest, warning that even a perfect constitution would be undermined under such conditions.Gbenga Daniel: Citizens Must Lead Constitutional ChangeCo-Chairman of the Summit Organising Committee and Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, described the summit as a citizen-driven intervention, not a partisan or confrontational gathering.“This summit is not about finger-pointing but about building consensus for a new Nigeria,” Daniel stated. “We aim to persuade our leaders with facts, ideas, and patriotic dialogue.”He revealed that the summit’s recommendations will be formally presented to the Presidency and National Assembly, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing a conducive atmosphere for the event to hold.Summit Continues Thursday with Expanded ParticipationAs the summit continues into its second day, Thursday's sessions are expected to draw a broader audience, including returning dignitaries and civil society groups. Discussions will deepen on federal restructuring, fiscal federalism, electoral reforms, and the mechanics of adopting a new constitution.Wednesday’s impassioned discourse underscored a growing national demand for constitutional transformation and signaled a rising momentum for a new political framework grounded in democratic legitimacy, justice, and national unity.Signed:James Ezema Media Adviser National Summit Secretariat