The Patriots Declare Lack of Legitimacy in 1999 Constitution

• The National Constitution Dialogue revealed widespread dissatisfaction with the 1999 Constitution, advocating for alternative frameworks like the 2014 Report
• Stakeholders criticized the flawed origin of the current constitution, highlighting its perpetuation of exclusionary politics and widespread disenchantment

The recent National Constitution Dialogue, convened by The Patriots, a prominent think-tank group, has highlighted widespread concerns regarding the legitimacy of the 1999 Constitution. Stakeholders have advocated for adopting alternative frameworks, specifically endorsing the 2014 National Confab Report and the 1963 Republican Constitution as viable platforms for crafting a new constitutional framework.

In a communique issued by The Patriots’ General Secretary, Olawale Okunniyi, stakeholders expressed unanimous dissatisfaction with the 1999 Constitution, asserting that its flawed origin renders it lacking legitimacy, a deficiency unremedied by subsequent amendments.

The dialogue participants underscored the detrimental impact of the current constitutional arrangement, particularly its presidential system of governance. They argued that this had perpetuated a politics of exclusion and heightened the appetite for state capture among the ruling elite. This, they contended, has fueled widespread disenchantment across the nation.

Furthermore, the communique highlighted key recommendations put forth during the dialogue, emphasizing the urgent need for:

1. Ending political impunity to combat corruption and promote competence and patriotism.
2. Reforming the security infrastructure by establishing state police and localizing police command structures to enhance community security.
3. Restructuring the governance system to address existing federalism imbalances, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and accelerating development.
4. Strengthening democratic institutions to uphold accountability and safeguard democracy.
5. Deepening democracy and governance at the grassroots level to foster inclusivity and stakeholder participation.

In response to these challenges, The Patriots resolved to establish an inclusive team tasked with engaging Nigerian citizens, the Presidency, and the National Assembly in constructive dialogues to garner support for the proposed constitutional reforms. Their ultimate goal is to foster cohesion, stability, good governance, and prosperity under a new democratic people’s constitution for Nigeria.