While Nigeria embarks on another constitutional revision round, the main defender of Nigeria (San), Mohammed Narani Mohammed, has asked for the drafting of a completely new constitution that reflects the true aspirations of the Nigerian people.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the main lawyer described the current constitution of 1999 as a relic of a military government that lacks legitimacy and does not represent the various realities of Nigeria.
“This Constitution was only an annexation of a military decree,” said Mohammed and added that, “since 1999, it has been modified five times, which includes taxpayers of N12.85 billion, with very little significant change. It is time to stop these expensive exercises and start again.”
The main defender emphasized that Nigeria needs a “constitution of the people”, rooted in democratic values, inclusion and national consensus. With 87 bills currently under review, from state surveillance and fiscal federalism to gender inclusion, judicial reform and autonomy of the local government, he argued that mosaic amendments will not address the fundamental problems that affect the governance of the country.
Public audiences on the review process are ongoing, with plenary sessions scheduled for October 2025.
However, Mohammed expressed skepticism about the result, citing previous efforts that, according to him, were dominated by political elites and ignored the will of the people.
“Since 1999, successive amendment efforts have been kidnapped by power block. The amendments are now considered poker policies instead of a democratic reform,” he said.
One of the most debated provisions is the immunity clause, which protects the presidents and governors of the Prosecutor's Office. Mohammed asked for his elimination, saying that he hinders the fight against corruption.
“Many Nigerians presented memoranda urging their elimination, citing the need to address high -level corruption, only for those proposals that omit the National Assembly. Who told them to eliminate those presentations?” Was people? ” asked.
Also read: Public Hearing code for the amendment of the Constitution – Sani Government
He also praised a bill proposed by the vice president of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who seeks to grant indigenous status to residents who have lived in a state for at least 10 years or are married to a native.
“This bill is good for Nigeria. Citizens should have priority over origin. If you live, work and contribute to a State for a decade, it deserves the same rights there, including the right to dispute the elections,” said Mohammed.
He pointed out that, although the current constitutional framework of Nigeria establishes citizenship by birth, registration and naturalization allows states and communities to discriminate against “non -indigenous.”
“In the United States or the United Kingdom, once it is a citizen, you can dispute the elections anywhere. Nigeria must adopt that standard if we take unity and development seriously,” he said.
Mohammed also urged the National Assembly to address broader constitutional concerns, such as restructuring the federal system, addressing insecurity, redefining the role of traditional institutions, resources control, youth service and even exploring the option of returning to a parliamentary government system.
“Our sovereignty belongs to the people. It is their safety and well -being that should be the main purpose of the government, such as Chapter II, section 14 of our Constitution clearly establishes,” he added.
As the constitutional review process is directed towards its October plenary, the San said that Nigeria is at a decisive crossroads.
“Whether the National Assembly pays attention to the calls to a new beginning, or will persist with incremental touch -ups, the weekly to be seen. But for many Nigerians, the time for medium measures is over. We remain our heads and hands to realize that greatness. With the correct constitution, Nigeria can really become one of the main nations on earth,” he said.
Nigerian tribe