1999 constitution is the reason Nigeria remains poor - Afe Babalola

Renowned legal practitioner, Afe Babalola has stated that the 1999 constitution is the reason Nigeria remains poor. 

Chief Afe Babalola made the claim after being conferred with the African Role Model and the African Union Agenda 2063 Ambassador awards by the African Union Economic Socio-Cultural Council on Tuesday August 27. 

The founder of Afe Babalola University alleged that the 1999 constitution has discouraged and crippled development in states. Proferring a solution, he stated that a true federal constitution will bring the much needed transformation in the country. 

“The 1999 constitution is, in large measure, responsible for the problems we have in Nigeria today. The constitution has discouraged and crippled development in the states. Consequently, Nigeria remains a poor country like most African countries,” he said.

“What Nigeria needs is a bill sponsored by the government, asking the senate to pass a law for the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference that the membership will be elected on zero party system.

“It is only through a true federal constitution that transformational leaders can emerge and a true Nigeria nation can emerge from over the 300 nations in the country. Africa needs leaders who can transform the continent. The renaissance has started in ABUAD. We have succeeded in nine years to transform education in the country.”