In a recent interview with Arise TV, former Bayelsa State Governor and PDP chieftain Senator Seriake Dickson made startling allegations about the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.
He contended that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, upon assuming office, was unfamiliar with the constitution’s contents.
According to Dickson, the 1999 Constitution is a flawed and deceptive document stemming from military rule, which has hindered Nigeria’s progress. He argued that the nation is in dire need of a constitution that reflects the will of the people, rather than one imposed by the military.
“The country needs a constitution crafted by its people—a document that fosters unity and serves as a solid foundation for economic, political, and legal systems,” Dickson asserted. He criticized the 1999 Constitution for failing to meet these criteria.
Dickson also criticized the secrecy surrounding the constitution’s adoption. He revealed that, at the time, neither political officeholders nor the general public had access to the document prior to its implementation. “When the democratic transition occurred in 1999, even those in political positions were unaware of the constitution’s contents until Obasanjo took office,” he said.
Describing the constitution as a military decree, Dickson emphasized that the public had no role in its creation. He deemed it a “fraudulent document,” pointing out that its preamble claims to represent “we the people” when in fact, it was crafted by the military regime with limited public involvement.
Dickson’s comments reflect a growing sentiment that the 1999 Constitution, despite numerous amendments, remains inadequate for addressing Nigeria’s current needs and challenges.
