1999 Constitution Too Weak To Fight Corruption — Rights Group

A civil society group, Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), has called for total overhaul of the 1999 constitution (as amended), noting that it has become too weak to address the challenges of the country, especially in tackling corruption.

CHRAN Director, Otuekong Franklin Isong noted unless the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), is completely overhauled, the fight against corruption by anti-graft agencies will continue to remain a mirage.

Isong stated this while speaking at the University of Uyo 2nd Faculty of Management Sciences public lecture titled; “Corruption and National Development in Nigeria,” at the university.

He maintained that the constitution, which he recalled, was promulgated by the military using Decree No. 24 of 1999, “impedes the fight against corruption in Nigeria.”

The rights activist commended the guest speaker at the event, Dr. Asikpo Essien-Ibok, for his resourcefulness and industry in his paper, saying that if the contents of his 109-page book, “Corruption and National Development in Nigeria,” are adhered to, it would serve as a reference point in the fight against corruption in Nigeria.

The Vice-Chancellor of University of Uyo, Prof. Nyaudo Ndaeyo, who was represented by Prof. Anthonia Essien appreciated the resource persons for their dispositions, hoping the outcome of the discourse would be considered by the authorities concerned.