- Akin Oyebode, a professor of international law and jurisprudence, says Nigeria needs a constitution that will reflect the spirit of the current age
- Oyebode blames the attitude of the people for the cause of the persistent problems in Nthe country
- Goodluck Jonathan wishes Nigerians happy Independence
A professor of international law and jurisprudence, Akin Oyebode, has described the Nigerian constitution as an outdated document that has become an illegitimate instrument.
The learned legal practitioner speaking during a programme on Channels TV on Monday, October 1, said Nigeria needs a constitution that will reflect the spirit of the current age.
"The problem I think the Patriots pointed out some time ago is that that constitution, decree 24 of 1999 is a military dictat. It tells a lie against itself," he said.
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“What you are brandishing as the Constitution of Nigeria is an illegitimate instrument. The Patriots have said it and Ben Nwabueze continues to say it. I attend meetings on the black table where Ben Nwabueze presides, and he will tell you that the constitution is a fraud, that we have to jettison it and do an autochthonous constitution for ourselves.
“So, let us recognise the limitations of the 1999 so-called constitution. We need a constitution which reflects the spirit of the age.
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The jurist said the attitudes of the people were the cause of the persistent problems in Nigeria
“A people get the government that they deserve, he said.
“If Nigerians are complacent and they will not stand up to immoral conduct, then we justify that particular conduct and it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy and quite sincerely the judges too, they have part of the blame but they don’t have all the blame."
Meanwhile, as Nigeria celebrates her 58th independence, former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed hope that all will be well.
According to him, things are tough but Nigerians are a tough people and the nation will pull through its challenges
How do you plan to celebrate this year's independence anniversary? on NAIJ.com TV
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Source: Naija.ng