Constitutional Lawyer Tunji Abayomi Faults Ongoing Constitutional Amendments, Lambasts National Assembly for Wasting National Resources
By Taiwo Olapade
A constitutional lawyer, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, has criticized the National Assembly over the ongoing constitutional amendment process, describing it as unconstitutional and a futile exercise.
He also expressed concern over the trillions of naira expended on the exercise since 1999, stating that it has yielded no tangible results or positive impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Dr. Abayomi made these remarks earlier today on TVC’s This Morning show, broadcast from the station’s headquarters at Eko Atlantic City in Lagos.
According to him, amending the constitution does not require the nation to spend such huge sums of money. Rather, he emphasized, what is needed is the professional input and advice of constitutional law experts.
He accused the National Assembly of intentionally misleading Nigerians into believing it is committed to the amendment process, while in reality, it is siphoning public funds on an exercise that is unlikely to yield any meaningful outcome.
The legal scholar echoed the views of many Nigerians who believe that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) was imposed on the country to serve the interests of a privileged few.
Dr. Abayomi further remarked that the National Assembly is likely to continue the amendment process into next year, despite assurances from the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Senator Jibrin Barau, that a report would be submitted by the end of this year.
The National Assembly is currently conducting Zonal Public Hearings on the constitutional amendment process across the country, aimed at gathering input from stakeholders toward producing a more acceptable and inclusive constitution.
