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1999 Constitution Has No Legitimacy, Must Be Replaced Through Referendum — Anyaoku
Our present 1999 constitution (as amended) is not one. It was not democratically formulated. Instead, it was imposed on the country through a decree by the military administration.
Emeka Anyaoku, former secretary-general of the Commonwealth, says the 1999 constitution lacks legitimacy and must be replaced through a national referendum.
Anyaoku spoke on Friday in Abuja at a national summit organised by The Patriots and the Nigerian Political Summit Group.
He said the constitution currently in use was imposed on the country by the military and does not reflect the Nigeria’s diverse character.
“As a background to this summit, it is important to state the following indisputable facts, recognised by all citizens—except, of course, those who choose to remain in denial,” he said.
“Nigeria is a pluralistic country. Like all successful pluralistic countries around the world, for its political stability and maximal development, its constitution must address its pluralism by being formulated by elected representatives of its diverse peoples.
“Our present 1999 constitution (as amended) is not one. It was not democratically formulated. Instead, it was imposed on the country through a decree by the military administration.
“And the governance system derived from it is not only non-inclusive but also results in the over-expenditure of the country’s resources on administration rather than on capital development. Hence, the need for a new Nigerian people’s democratic constitution.”
The elder statesman said widespread insecurity, deepening poverty, weak infrastructure, and loss of hope among the youth make constitutional change inevitable.
He added that these national challenges can be reversed if the country adopts a truly federal and democratic constitution drawn up by the people.
“Overall, the present 36 federating units are obviously incapable of generating and sustaining the pace of national development achieved in the early years of the country’s independence,” he said.
“To those who say that the fate of a country depends primarily on its leadership, I say that the constitution, from which the system of governance is derived, largely determines the character of the people who get elected or appointed to govern the country through the three arms of government.”
The former secretary-general of the Commonwealth said the summit would come up with proposals on the core features of the new constitution and how it should be actualised.
He listed key issues for review to include the choice between a presidential or parliamentary system, rotation and tenure of political leaders, and whether the legislature should be unicameral or bicameral.
Anyaoku added that a national referendum must be held to confer legitimacy on the new constitution.
“In considering the process of actualising the new constitution, I hope that there would be due emphasis on ensuring that it is formulated by representatives specifically elected for that purpose by the Nigerian people,” he said.
“And after it has formulated the new constitution, it should be submitted to the people of Nigeria in a national referendum.
“And it is the endorsement of the new constitution in a national referendum that will confer legitimacy on it, unlike the 1999 constitution, which lacks legitimacy because it was not drafted by representatives of the people, nor was it endorsed by the Nigerian people.”
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Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
News
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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