Ozekhome Urges President Tinubu to Fast-Track Constitutional Reform Without Imposing Deadlines

Appearance on Arise TV, renowned legal expert Mike Ozekhome urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the introduction of a critical bill aimed at addressing Nigeria’s deep-rooted constitutional challenges. While Ozekhome emphasized that no specific timeline was imposed on the President, he highlighted the pressing need for reforms to tackle the issues that have plagued the country since the 1914 amalgamation of the Northern and Southern regions.

“We never gave the President a timeline. We didn’t do that because it would be unfair—he has the larger picture to consider,” Ozekhome stated. However, he stressed the urgency of the situation, urging swift action. “We impressed upon him that he should introduce this bill with the urgency of yesterday because virtually all the problems you’re seeing in the country today stem from our failure to truly unite as one people after the January 1, 1914 amalgamation.”

Ozekhome called for a comprehensive national dialogue, recommending that the National Assembly initiate the process by convening a constitutional assembly. He proposed that representatives be elected on a non-party basis to ensure that all ethnic nationalities are adequately represented. This assembly would have the responsibility of drafting a new constitution that genuinely reflects the will and identity of the Nigerian people.

“We are advocating for a discussion,” Ozekhome continued. “The National Assembly should facilitate this by bringing about a constitutional assembly, electing representatives on a non-party basis, and ensuring that every ethnic nationality is represented. When they draft this new people’s constitution, it should be indigenous to the people and, most importantly, subjected to a referendum.”

Ozekhome’s call underscores the critical need for constitutional reforms that address the long-standing issues in Nigeria’s governance structure, paving the way for a more united and equitable nation.