Judges, Lawyers Are to Be Held Responsible for Nigeria’s Constitutional Woes – Sola Abegunde

By: Afeez Bello.

In a compelling discussion on the radio programme “Dende Oro” aired on Fresh 105.9FM Ibadan and hosted by Salawat Abeni Lukman, a veteran journalist and notable public affairs analyst, Comrade Sola Abegunde voiced strong criticisms regarding the interpretation of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, asserting that the real issue lies not within the Constitution itself, but with those who interpret it.

Abegunde’s remarks come amidst ongoing debates concerning the efficacy and relevance of the 1999 Constitution, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s evolving political landscape. He argued that while the Constitution may have its flaws, it is the legal interpreters—including judges and lawyers—who exacerbate the problems through inconsistent interpretations.

Reacting to legal interpretation as a key challenge, Abegunde compared the length and complexity of the American Constitution—just eight pages—to Nigeria’s constitution, which, despite its length, is written in straightforward language yet suffers from complex interpretations. He contended that the inconsistency in judicial rulings creates confusion and undermines public confidence in the rule of law.

“The Supreme Court’s interpretations differ significantly from one election cycle to another,” Abegunde noted, emphasising that these disparities contribute to public disillusionment. He criticised legal experts for failing to uphold the integrity of the law, arguing that they often interpret sections of the Constitution in ways that serve their interests rather than the common good.

On political alliances and defections, Abegunde observed that the opposition, particularly the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), are grappling with internal crises that hinder their ability to form a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He pointed out that the leadership struggles within the PDP, including issues of candidate validation and the recent defection of key figures, limit their effectiveness. “If the election were tomorrow, would the PDP even have candidates?” he questioned, highlighting the disarray within the party.

Reflecting on the broader implications of these challenges, Abegunde lamented the lack of structured political parties in Nigeria, which he believes hampers the emergence of capable candidates. He noted that competent individuals often find themselves limited by the structural weaknesses of their parties, underscoring the need for political maturity in Nigeria.

“Anyone in power has an edge over the opposition,” he stated, emphasising that without robust party structures, even the most qualified candidates struggle to gain traction.

Abegunde called for a reevaluation of both the constitutional interpretation practices and the political structures in Nigeria. He asserted that improvements can be made, but it requires active engagement from the populace to hold leaders accountable at all levels of government.

“The responsibility for change lies with the people,” he reiterated, urging citizens to demand accountability not just from federal leaders but also from their state and local representatives.

As Nigeria grapples with these pressing issues, Abegunde’s analysis offers a thought-provoking perspective on the intersection of law, politics, and the role of the judiciary in shaping the nation’s future.