A former governor of Akwa Ibom State has delivered a powerful speech at the National Summit on the Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy, declaring that the 1999 Constitution — the document binding Nigeria — “begins with a lie” and has robbed the people of their sovereignty.
Speaking to a cross-section of elder statesmen, delegates from all geopolitical zones, and members of the press in Abuja, the former governor praised the summit organizers, The Patriots, for convening what he called a bold and necessary national dialogue.
“This summit is not another routine conference. It is the defining moment — perhaps the last peaceful opportunity we have to fix the contradiction that Nigeria is governed not by the will of the people, but by a constitution that was forced on us,” he said.
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According to him, the 1999 Constitution was never the product of public consensus, but a military decree disguised as democracy.
“The 1999 Constitution starts with a lie — ‘We the people’ — but we were never consulted. Our consent was never sought. What replaced the 1963 Constitution, which truly represented the people’s will, was an imposed document. That’s why our sovereignty was stolen,” he stated.
He described Nigeria’s current political system as deeply flawed, warning that public office has become a private business, with power flowing from political godfathers rather than the electorate.
“We are not running a democracy. We are living under elite authoritarianism, decorated with the appearance of democracy,” he declared.
Citing low voter turnout in elections, rising public distrust, and lack of accountability, the former governor said Nigeria is at a tipping point. He urged that the country must return to true federalism, where power is decentralized and regional autonomy is respected.
“We must reject this imperial unitary system and embrace real federalism. Our founding fathers did not agree to a Nigeria where everything flows from the center. That agreement was broken,” he added.
He also proposed a new political structure driven by transparency, accountability, and leadership rooted in ideas and integrity rather than money.
“The cost of politics must come down. Ministers should only come from elected representatives. Political parties must grow internal democracy. Public office must return to public service — not personal enrichment,” he said.
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Calling for the enactment of a new, people-driven constitution, he challenged the summit to rise above empty speeches and photo opportunities.
“If we leave here without a clear roadmap to restore power to the people and build a new foundation for Nigeria, then this summit would have failed,” he warned.
Ending his speech with a bold call to action, he said: “What we must fear is not change. What we must fear is the refusal to change. Nigeria’s unity cannot be held together by force or fear. It must be built on justice and fairness.”
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