Former Minister of Education and senior economic advisor, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has launched a scathing critique of the National Assembly’s ongoing constitutional amendment process.
Speaking on Thursday during a keynote address at the 7th Penpushing anniversary and annual lecture in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Ezekwesili dismissed the effort as a charade that fails to address Nigeria’s deep-rooted economic and political crises.
Constitutional Amendment: A Futile Endeavor
Ezekwesili argued firmly that simply amending the existing constitution will not solve the country’s systemic problems.
She branded the ongoing process as a costly distraction and “sheer waste of resources,” emphasizing that it lacks the power to bring about meaningful change.
Instead, she called for a completely new constitution that centers on genuine federalism, justice, and equitable devolution of powers across all ethnicities and regions.
She stated, “The ongoing constitutional amendment cannot work, it cannot address our problem.
The demands for a new constitution are a matter of life and death.”
Structural Defects Demand Radical Overhaul
To underscore her point, Ezekwesili employed a vivid analogy.
She compared the nation’s fractured political foundation to a building with a defective structure.
According to her, just as an engineer would condemn and demolish a structurally unsound building rather than attempt minor repairs, Nigeria requires a full constitutional rebuild, not patches that merely prolong instability.
She stated, “When the engineer tells us that the foundation of a building is structurally defective, is it not to take the whole building down because it will continue to constitute an endangerment to the people?
You won’t say, ‘Oga, can we just do some little adjustment to the building?’
No, it won’t work.
This is the same with nation-building. So this expensive charade that the National Assembly is embarking on and spending money on won’t take us anywhere.”
Political Dysfunction Turned Criminal Enterprise
Ezekwesili further lamented that Nigeria’s political arena has devolved into a “criminal enterprise gang.”
She painted a bleak picture of governance hijacked by entrenched interests, where public service has been abandoned for private gain.
However, she stressed that good governance principles transparency, accountability, and inclusivity are neither mysterious nor unattainable.
According to Ezekwesili, effective governance models exist globally and could be adapted within Nigeria if political will and commitment emerge.
Beyond Symbolic Reforms: The Need for Genuine Federalism
The former minister’s critique goes beyond mere criticism of the amendment process.
She emphasized that true resolution of Nigeria’s communal tensions, insecurity, unemployment, poverty.
And systemic corruption hinges on constitutional restructuring that embraces genuine federalism.
This entails devolving substantive powers from the central government to states and local governments, ensuring justice, equity.
And fairness for all citizens irrespective of ethnicity or tribe.
Ezekwesili urged the media and civil society to spearhead demands for a constitution “powered by the people” that aims for national progress and unity rather than perpetuating existing imbalances.
A Call for Accountability and National Revival
The occasion also featured comments from Amb Sarafa Ishola, immediate past Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, who echoed the need for responsible governance.
He highlighted institutional clarity, budgetary equality, and citizen-driven accountability as pillars of true federalism.
He called on Nigerians to view restructuring as a national revival strategy rather than a sectional agenda, warning that without inclusiveness, reforms will falter.
Costly Distraction Amid Crisis
This denunciation of the National Assembly’s approach casts a harsh light on political leadership at a time when Nigerians face worsening economic hardship and insecurity.
Public resources are being spent on what many see as an ineffective constitutional exercise while urgent social and economic challenges escalate.
Ezekwesili’s stark condemnation resonates with growing frustration among citizens who demand radical reforms instead of superficial adjustments.
Controversial but Crucial
Her forthright language and unfiltered critique invite controversy.
Especially among legislators and political elites invested in the current constitutional amendment.
Yet, for many observers, Ezekwesili’s perspective articulates the deep-seated desire for genuine change.
This uncompromising stance squares with WahalaUpdate’s mission to challenge complacency and expose uncomfortable truths about governance and democracy in Nigeria.
This article presents a critical, provocative analysis for WahalaUpdate, highlighting the urgent need for constitutional overhaul in Nigeria.
It challenges superficial political reforms and demands accountability and realignment towards national unity and democratic progress.
