Ezekwesili to senate: 1999 constitution outdated… we need referendum for new one

Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former minister of education, says the 1999 constitution is outdated.

Speaking at a public hearing organised by the senate on the review of the constitution in Abuja on Thursday, Ezekwesili said the law should be amended to provide for a referendum for a new constitution.

The former minister said the country’s diversity needs to be “effectively managed” on the principles of equity, justice and equal opportunities.

“Major socio-political issues that need to be solved are effective management of Nigeria’s diversity based on the principles of justice, equity, inclusion and equal opportunities,” she said.

“Nigeria’s failure to solve productivity and poor competitiveness problems means that she cannot maximise our human resources to create inclusive growth and prosperity.

“The current 1999 constitution is outdated. Allow a single amendment for referendum for a deliberation on a new constitution for the country.”

Also speaking, Aghughu Adolphus, auditor-general of the federation, said his office should be strengthened to ensure transparency in the government.

“The auditor-general has 90 days within which to submit reports, but the time within which to collect other reports from agencies were not specified,” Adolphus said.

“We are proposing six months at the end of a financial year. The result will give us enough time to do our work — federal audit service and state audit service. That will settle us by bringing us out of civil service as we currently operate. The office currently has its appointments, promotions and this is still handled by other agencies.

“We believe if we are privileged as other institutions, we will be able to be more independent and the office will be strengthened.”