Nigeria needs new constitution to work -Ozekhome

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Legal luminary, Chief Mike Ozekhome, has said Nigeria cannot work if the people cannot come together to fashion a constitution and subject it to a referendum.

He contended that the country’s present journey is to no destination and therefore recommended that it should reverse and follow the proper route. The human rights advocate who spoke at the 2024 Midwest Herald “Midwest Achievers Awards”, yesterday in Benin, Edo State, however, advocated the institutionalisation of development-focused practices to foster change in Nigeria and the African continent. Chief Ozekhome who bagged an award of “Defender of Democracy” at the event, in his paper titled “Has democracy led to good governance in Nigeria? flayed what he described as political corruption, saying it undermines democratic principles.

He stressed that political corruption should be aggressively addressed with the same seriousness and penalties as other forms of corruption such as financial crimes.

“Too often, political corruption is overlooked largely because the political elite, who are often guilty of these practices, hold significant power. “For instance, Nigeria’s election history is rife with stories of electoral manipulation and voter exploitation by the political class.

“Post-election adjudication should not only focus on determining winners, but should also impose penalties, including imprisonment and fines on political elites or their agents who violate electoral rules.

“Free and fair elections are the foundation of legitimacy, transparency, and accountability, and should be consistently safeguarded to ensure leaders are held accountable to the people,” he said.

Earlier, the Director of Organization, Midwest Achievers Awards, Dr. Owen Omo-Ojo, said the event is geared to recognise archivers and  spotlight super achievers who have dared to dream, navigate turbulent times, and upheld the highest ethical standards while inspiring hope in their communities and beyond.”