Senator Seriake Dickson: 1999 Constitution Grants Presidents, Governors ‘Power Of An Emperor’

Senator Seriake Dickson: 1999 Constitution Grants Presidents, Governors ‘Power Of An Emperor’

Article: Senator Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West in the National Assembly, has sounded a clarion call for constitutional reform, asserting that the 1999 Constitution bestows upon Presidents and governors powers akin to those of emperors, thereby undermining accountability in governance…….READ ALSO Senator Dickson Crossover Night-Peace And Gratitude Across Three Church Services (Details)

Dickson made these remarks during a discussion on a Channels Television bulletin, underscoring the imperative of instituting robust accountability mechanisms for leaders.

Expressing his concerns about the constitutional framework, Dickson, who served as Governor of Bayelsa State before assuming his current senatorial position in 2020, lamented the absence of adequate checks and balances in the document. He contended that the constitution’s design inadvertently elevates the executive to a position of unchecked authority, leaving little room for accountability.

“The 1999 Constitution created emperors as President and governors because the drafters of the document omitted accountability in terms of the use of power by public office holders,” Dickson remarked, stressing the urgency of constitutional amendments to foster greater accountability among elected officials.

One key issue Dickson addressed was the autonomy of local governments, a topic rife with controversy and resistance from state governors. He attributed the reluctance to grant financial autonomy to local governments to the overarching power wielded by state leaders, calling for a reevaluation of power dynamics within Nigeria’s governance structure.

“There are 37 emperors because of the insufficient mechanism for accountability built into the constitution, which is what we must address. Accountability in terms of the use of power,” Dickson emphasized, advocating for reforms to rectify the imbalance of power and ensure transparency and accountability in governance.

Dickson’s assertions shed light on the urgent need for constitutional reforms that prioritize accountability and empower citizens in the democratic process, addressing longstanding concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of a few.

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