In a candid interview on Arise TV’s Good Morning Show, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Robert Clarke, pointedly criticized the 1999 Constitution, asserting that it lies at the heart of Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges.
In his own words, Clarke passionately stated, “The 1999 constitution is the cornerstone of our problems. In every area of the political landscape, especially in the realm of elections, something must be wrong when the constitution restricts who can be voted for or who can vote.”
Clarke did not mince words when addressing the recent controversy involving the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. He asked pointedly, “Why should a governor bring a caterpillar and bring down the state House of Assembly? Does that show sanity, and did the people vote for such a person?”
On the topic of President Bola Tinubu’s involvement in sub-national matters, Clarke provided a direct response, asserting, “The constitutional role of the President in all these fracas, there should have been none. The only time the constitution allowed the Federal Government to put its mouth was during the First Republic.”
Calling for a comprehensive constitutional overhaul, Clarke expressed his concerns and recommendations in unmistakable terms: “All that we are running after today is power and money. Those two elements, where do you get them in Nigeria? They are only from politics. If you count down governors who have served in Nigeria since 2000, ask them to come show us their bank account, you will be shocked.”
He further outlined his suggested areas for amendment, leaving no room for ambiguity: “Once you do the three areas in Nigeria today, I can assure you, you won’t hear about any court cases. This country will move forward.”
Clarke’s forthright remarks align with recent developments in Rivers State, where a truce was reached after discussions involving President Tinubu, Governor Fubara, immediate past governor of the state and current Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Woke, and other stakeholders.
As the call for constitutional amendments gains momentum, Clarke’s unambiguous statements echo the need for significant reforms to address the core issues plaguing Nigeria’s political and legal landscape.