WHY do we  amend the Constitution so often yet end up more dissatisfied with the document? What are the important items that should be changed to make the Constitution workable?

The answers are not simple, in the same way  that it is not simple to know what Nigerians want, especially since governments spurn every opportunity to know.  The excuse for amending the Constitution is that the military created it. A Constitution that is founded on lies, like ours, cannot stand. The biggest lie about the Constitution is told early: in the preamble.

We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Having firmly and solemnly resolve, to live in unity and harmony  as one indivisible and indissoluble sovereign nation under God, dedicated to the promotion of inter-African solidarity, world peace, international co-operation and understanding

And to provide for a Constitution for the purpose of promoting the good government and welfare of all persons in our country, on the principles of freedom, equality and justice, and for the purpose of consolidating the unity of our people

Do hereby make, enact and give to ourselves the following Constitution

The impression the preamble creates is that the Constitution is the product of the collective will of Nigerians. The burden of the lie comes with the extra pain of complaining Nigerians having a document that says, “you have what you want”.

While the National Assembly has commenced the rigmarole associated with amending the Constitution, it has not fashioned out the role of “we the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Would there be a referendum? Should creation of States be a priority with increasing suggestions at collapsing States into Regions? How will local governments be guaranteed as the third tier of government according to Section 7 of the Constitution?

Nigerians are concerned about being able to live freely in any part of their country without discrimination. Why are constitutional provisions to these effects not enforceable? Why does the Federal Government add to its responsibilities and tries to do everything from primary education to primary health care? Should States not decide how much to pay their employees? Will revenue allocation reflect the contributions of the States or their greed?

State creation is one of the self-serving agenda politicians push as they crave relevance in their part of Nigeria. It would top the agenda because politicians, not “we the people”, push the amendment.

Another truth about the Constitution is that politicians work it to their benefit making democracy a government of the people without the people. It would take more than constitutional amendments to cure politicians of this mentality of thinking that everything is about them and their interests.