Legal Framework for Enacting a Peoples Oriented Constitution and Sustainance of Democracy in Nigeria

Abstract

In every democratic government, the liberty, rights and participation of citizens in governance is guaranteed. In most cases, the constitution is the custodian of these rights. The constitution can only serve this purpose if is truly the product of the people. The problem currently been faced by many countries today is lack of process led approach in constitution making. Successive constitutions in Nigeria are considered to lack these essential ingredients. The presumption about constitution making in many ancient and stable democracies of the world is that they were made by popular majorities, the truth, however remains that most constitutions, not withstanding their longevity and survival over time were products of the minority elites and dominant groups. A constitution that guarantees true democracy must bear clear imprints of the people’s contributions. In newly constituted and nascent democracies such as Nigeria, it is imperative to enact good constitution through consultative, inclusive and democratic means since sovereignty resides in the people.