Nigerian 1999 Republican Constitution

The Nigerian Republican Constitution of 1999

General Abdulsalam Abubakar took over leadership of the country after the death of General Sani Abacha on 8th June, 1998. The Abubakar government scrapped the political transition programme which General Abacha initiated in October, 1995.

Other institutions dissolved were the five (5) political parties namely: The Congress for National Consensus (CNC), The Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN), The Grass root Democratic Movement (GDM), The United Nigerian Congress Party (UNCP), and The National Reconciliation Committee, The Transition Implementation Committee, and The Committee on the Devolution of Powers.

In December 1998, the Abdulsalam regime established the constitutional coordination committee led by Justice Niki Tobi. The committee advised the government to adopt the 1979 constitution with amendments which would be preferable to the 1995 constitution.

However, General Abubakar’s government rejected the recommendation and adopted the 1995 constitution and promulgated it into law on 29th May, 1999.

FEATURES OF THE 1999 REPUBLIC CONSTITUTION

1. It retained the executive type of president.
2. It retained the principle of separation of powers.
3. It sanctioned the existence of 36 states.
4. Local government remained the third tier of government.
5. It provided for 768 local government councils in Nigeria and 6 area councils for Abuja (F. C. T.)
6. Local government executive to be democratically elected.
7. It gave the Nigerian press a special place towards upholding the responsibility and the accountability of government to the people.

MERITS OF THE 1999 REPUBLIC CONSTITUTION

1. The constitution ushered in both 4th republic and the presidential system of government.
2. It made provision for minimum educational and age qualifications, thereby, reducing inexperience and illiteracy in governance.
3. There is room for greater political awareness and political development at the grass root.
4. It allowed for smooth transfer of power from military to civilian government.

DEMERITS OF THE 1999 REPUBLIC CONSTITUTION

1. The military imposed the constitution on the citizens of the country.
2. It is too rigid and difficult to amend.
3. The constitution was hurriedly prepared and therefore, was full of errors.
4. The constitution was made to suit Abacha’s purpose.
5. It also centralised the judiciary, contrary to the demands of federalism.