A former Minister of Education and CEO of Human Capital Africa, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has strongly criticised the ongoing constitutional amendment process by the National Assembly, describing it as a “charade” and a “conduit pipe” for squandering public resources.
Ezekwesili, a renowned public policy expert and advocate for good governance, made the remarks on Wednesday while delivering the keynote address at the 7th Penpushing Anniversary Lecture in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Her lecture was titled “Reworking Nigeria’s Federalism: Perspectives on Restructuring and Fiscal Federalism.”
According to her, what Nigeria needs is not another amendment of a fundamentally flawed constitution, but a fresh, people-driven constitution that addresses the root causes of the nation’s dysfunctions, particularly the structural imbalances, injustice, and exclusion entrenched in the current system.
> “The ongoing constitutional amendment cannot work; it cannot address our problems. It is a charade and sheer waste of resources,” she said. “When an engineer tells you the foundation of a building is structurally defective, you don’t repaint it — you take the building down. That’s exactly where we are with the 1999 Constitution.”
Ezekwesili lamented the hijack of Nigeria’s political space by what she described as a “criminal enterprise gang” who now manipulate governance for selfish gains, both in Nigeria and across Africa.
> “Today’s politics has been hijacked. What we now have is a criminal enterprise gang that excludes the society and slices governance to suit their private interests,” she said. “This must not be allowed to continue.”
She advocated for a sovereign constitutional conference to draft a new foundational document — one that genuinely reflects the will of Nigerians. Such a conference, she said, must involve a constituent assembly elected by the people, which would hold honest conversations and produce a new constitution to be ratified through a national referendum.
> “This is what Kenya did after almost collapsing,” she noted. “Today, they talk about the need for good leaders, not about breaking up.”
She further stressed that the agitation for secession, insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and bad governance can only be resolved through true federalism — one rooted in justice, equity, and devolution of powers.
Ezekwesili also urged the media to take the lead in demanding this change, saying, “The media should take the front seat and be at the vanguard of a push for a constitutional conference.”
On the link between governance and development, she stated, “There’s nothing mysterious about good governance. It’s been done elsewhere and can be done here too — if we fix our politics.”
Also speaking at the event, Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the UK, Amb. Sarafadeen Ishola, echoed her call, arguing that Nigeria’s current federalism exists in name only, and has failed to deliver the autonomy or accountability expected of a truly federal state.
> “True federalism is not just about devolution of power,” Ishola said. “It is about responsible governance, institutional clarity, fiscal equity, and citizen-driven accountability. Restructuring must not be seen as a sectional agenda, but as a strategy for national rebirth.”
The founder of Penpushing Media, Mr. Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, said the annual lecture aims to elevate national conversations on policy and governance issues that can advance Nigeria’s greatness.
He added that the online platform has not only contributed to robust journalism but also trained over 80 mass communication undergraduates and instituted annual awards for the best graduating students in communication studies.
Other dignitaries at the event included former presidential spokesman Mr. Femi Adesina, Deaconess Funke Fadugba, former NUJ Lagos Council Chair, and Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Chair of the Planning Committee.
The event was marked by reflections on Nigeria’s troubled political structure and an urgent call for a new beginning anchored on genuine federalism and constitutional reform.
