Write Your Name in Gold Through new Constitution, Ozekhome Urges Tinubu

Write Your Name in Gold Through new Constitution, Ozekhome Urges Tinubu       Prominent constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Ozekhome, has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s legacy would be more positively remembered if he championed the enactment of a new people-driven constitution that addresses Nigeria’s structural and systemic challenges.   Speaking at a Channels Tv on constitutional reforms, Ozekhome emphasized the urgency of replacing the 1999 Constitution, which he described as fundamentally flawed and unrepresentative of Nigeria’s diverse socio-political landscape.   “This is not just another talk shop,” he said, addressing concerns about the effectiveness of past conferences, including the 2014 National Conference, which produced over 600 recommendations that were ultimately ignored. “We are going beyond recommendations we are pushing for actual legislation through the National Assembly to enact a legitimate, autonomous constitution for the people.”   Ozekhome revealed that delegates from the summit plan to formally meet President Tinubu and the leadership of the National Assembly to present outcomes and advocate for implementation. He noted that while President Tinubu had previously expressed reservations about the timing of such reforms, the worsening structural dysfunctions in Nigeria now demand urgent action.   “We operate a pseudo-unitary system masquerading as a federation,” Ozekhome said, highlighting the over-centralization of powers, especially with 67 items on the Exclusive Legislative List reserved for the federal government. “This structure disincentivizes federating units from being productive.”   He acknowledged the political resistance to reducing presidential powers, noting that the Nigerian president is often described as one of the most powerful heads of state globally due to constitutional provisions. Nonetheless, he urged President Tinubu to rise above political interests and act in the nation’s long-term interest.   “This is the time for Mr. President to make a historic sacrifice,” Ozekhome said. “If under him, Nigeria births a brand-new constitution that truly represents its people, his name will be engraved in gold even more than for building roads or bridges.”   Ozekhome, a veteran of the pro-democracy movement, referenced their shared past with Tinubu and expressed hope that the president would see this reform as the defining moment of his administration.