In a recent development, Robert Clarke, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has taken a critical stance on the 1999 Constitution, describing it as the fundamental source of the nation’s challenges. Clarke’s remarks came in response to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, where President Bola Tinubu has intervened for the second time to broker a truce.
Clarke expressed his dissatisfaction with the constitution’s provisions, particularly those restricting eligibility for voting or being voted for, especially in the context of elections. According to the senior lawyer, there is a need for constitutional amendments, citing specific areas that require attention.
One of the areas highlighted by Clarke is the constitution’s stance on local government, elections, and party membership eligibility. He argued that amending these aspects could potentially resolve key issues plaguing the nation. Clarke questioned the constitutionality of President Tinubu’s involvement in sub-national matters and emphasized that the 1999 Constitution is at the core of Nigeria’s problems.
The senior lawyer suggested that the constitutional role of the President in such matters should be limited, asserting that the only time the constitution permits Federal Government intervention is during the First Republic.
Clarke further called for a reevaluation of the role of political parties in the country, suggesting that individuals should be able to contest elections without being tied to a political party.
As the political crisis in Rivers State seems to have reached a truce following President Tinubu’s intervention, Clarke’s critique adds to the ongoing discourse about the need for constitutional reforms to address the challenges facing Nigeria.
