LAGOS: Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to commence the process of drafting a brand-new constitution that will truly represent the will and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Agbakoba stated that President Tinubu has both the capacity and resources to deliver a new constitution within six months, not four years, if the political will is present.
According to him, Nigeria’s current constitution concentrates too much power in the presidency, a structure that weakens state capacity and stifles development.
He stressed that the time has come for the country to adopt a new legal framework that reflects true and fiscal federalism and promotes balanced national growth.
The office of the President wields too much power that does not promote the needed development in the states, Agbakoba said. With the resources available, President Tinubu can give Nigerians a new constitution in six months.
The Senior Advocate lamented that for over twenty-five years, successive governments have only pursued piecemeal amendments changing one clause or section after another without addressing the fundamental flaws of the 1999 Constitution
What Nigeria needs now is not another amendment, he said, but a brand-new constitution that will truly govern the nation, one that reflects equity, justice, and fiscal federalism.
This National Assembly should focus on giving Nigerians a new constitution, not another round of amendments.
Agbakoba urged lawmakers to stop the cycle of superficial constitutional reviews and instead champion a comprehensive process that will produce a truly people-driven document capable of uniting the country and strengthening its democratic institutions.
Commenting on President Tinubu’s recent military reshuffle, Agbakoba commended the action but emphasized that Nigerians are more concerned about tangible improvements in national security and peace.
He also spoke passionately about the arrest of human rights activist Omoyele Sowore following protests calling for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Agbakoba expressed strong solidarity with Sowore, describing him as a courageous activist and long-time ally in the struggle for justice and democracy.
Sowore is one of the men we used to organize protests with, Agbakoba revealed. I am in full support of what he is doing. He is fearless, and he’s got my back any time, any day. I completely stand by him.
The legal icon concluded by saying that Nigeria’s progress and unity depend on a new, inclusive constitution, not endless amendments.
He maintained that only a people-oriented framework can guarantee stability, justice, and sustainable development for future generations.
