Onaiyekan, other leaders call for constitutional reform, Nigeria restructuring

As Nigeria grapples with a multitude of challenges, including economic hardship and security concerns, more calls are being made for the country’s governance structure to be reshaped.

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, a respected religious leader, called for a constitutional reform on Friday at a policy dialogue in Abuja that brought together prominent religious figures, political representatives, and social activists.

The cleric highlighted the inconsistencies and contradictions within the current constitution. He pointed to the document’s ambiguity regarding the role of religion in national progress.

“If we take the present constitution, whether as amended or not amended it is riddled with inconsistencies or contradictions, problems when it comes to seriously talking about how religion relates to the nation,” he said.

“Which is why it is obvious we must look at it again. So, maybe it is good that we give it a look at changing to a parliamentary system. Perhaps we need to ask those soldiers who threw away the parliamentary system and introduced the presidential system. What reasons did they have?”

The cleric and other leaders spoke at a political discourse hosted by the Abuja School Social and Political Thought (TAS), in Abuja. The event also examined the recent call by 61 federal lawmakers for Nigeria to revert to the parliamentary system of government.

Afenifere, a leading socio-political organization representing the Yoruba people, also advocated for restructuring. Akin Fapohunda, its representative, envisions a system where regions have greater autonomy and control over their resources. This, he argued, would empower them to drive their own development and lessen their reliance on a centralized federal government.

“We agree that the house is rotten and it needs to be pulled down,” said Mr Fapohunda, acknowledging the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the current system.

Mr Fapohunda proposes a multi-pronged approach, including potentially adopting a parliamentary system, drafting regional constitutions, and revising the list of governmental functions.

Beyond Restructuring

While restructuring offers a potential path forward, Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, a Catholic priest, emphasized that leadership integrity is a fundamental pillar for national prosperity.

The cleric argued that until the leadership question is addressed, no political structure will work for Nigeria. He says the country must be saved from leaders who are corrupt and serve their interest.

“Leadership debauchery and elite idiocy will ruin any nation no matter how perfect the political structure and governance blueprint that they adopt,” he warned.

The director of TAS, Sam Amadi, said the parliamentary system, which Nigeria practised immediately after independence in 1960, gave the country more results. He said the current structure has negatively impacted the country’s economic progress, security and overall development.

“We know that structures matter (referring to the structure of governance), and they are revisable and capable of being used for good or evil,” he said.