1999 Constitution ‘Cornerstone’ of Nigeria’s Problems — Clark

Renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Robert Clark, has urged for a comprehensive review of the 1999 Constitution, citing it as the bedrock of the country’s challenges.

Clark expressed his views during an interview on Arise Television on Tuesday.

Highlighting the apparent shortcomings in the current constitution, Clark noted that the document, particularly in the realm of elections, limits the choices available to the electorate and those who can stand for election, a situation he deemed problematic.

“The problem today is not what the President says. The 1999 constitution is the cornerstone of our problems,” he stated unequivocally.

Addressing the ongoing political crisis in Rivers state, the senior lawyer remarked that President Bola Tinubu holds no constitutional role in the matter.

He highlighted the misuse of power and the focus on politics as the primary sources of contention in the nation.

Clark challenged the status quo by questioning why Nigerian politics seems confined to politicians and advocated for a system where individuals like himself could contest elections without aligning with a political party.

He identified three areas in the constitution that he believes need immediate amendments: local government administration, electoral processes, and the necessity of political party dominance in Nigerian elections.

“Once you address these three areas in Nigeria today, I can assure you, you won’t hear about any court cases. This country will move forward,” Clark asserted.

The recent political imbroglio in Rivers State experienced a shift as various stakeholders reached a truce under the guidance of President Bola Tinubu. The resolution involved the withdrawal of lawsuits related to the crisis and a directive for the re-presentation of the 2024 appropriation bill to the state House of Assembly among other stipulations.

The consensus reached during the meeting involved key political figures in Rivers State.