Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary-General, advocated for a new constitution to mend Nigeria’s fraying national unity during his speech at Afe Babalola University’s 2023 Convocation Lecture. His critical insights into Nigeria’s governance underscored the urgent need for constitutional reform, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s pursuit of cohesive diversity management.
Highlighting Nigeria’s deteriorating unity and increasing divisiveness, Anyaoku’s call in Ekiti State resounded with urgency. He pinpointed the flawed governmental system, pressing for a transformation rooted in the people’s consensus to effectively navigate the country’s diverse landscape.
“The upcoming constitution, emphasising subsidiarity, should delegate more powers to viable, fewer federating units,” Anyaoku asserted, referencing successful federations. He reminisced about Nigeria’s early independent years, when diversity fueled national unity, a scenario disrupted by the military’s constitutional overhauls in 1966.
Contrasting past achievements with today’s “lamentable” state, he cited rampant insecurity, poverty, and infrastructural decay. Anyaoku deplored the profound corruption and societal ethical decline, outlining his vision for Nigeria’s salvage through a genuine “people’s constitution.”
Urging immediate action, he recommended a National Constituent Assembly comprising non-partisan, directly elected representatives. This body would draft a new constitution, incorporating insights from past frameworks and the 2014 national conference, which would be subsequently subject to a national referendum.
According to a report by This Day Live, Afe Babalola, ABUAD’s founder, commended Anyaoku’s timely lecture, reiterating his longstanding demand for constitutional change. Citing politics as a lucrative venture in Nigeria, he stressed the new constitution’s role in redefining leadership norms.
“Only through constitutional change can we realise our potential,” declared Babalola, affirming ABUAD’s commitment to fostering leaders capable of pioneering positive change in Nigeria.
