Anthony Kila, a distinguished member of The Patriots, has offered a pointed critique of the Nigerian constitution, arguing that its most fundamental flaw lies at the very beginning — the phrase “we the people.”
He made these remarks when asked during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, which aspects of the current constitution really need to be tinkered with.
He stated, “I think there is a fundamental aspect. I think every right-thinking person would agree, which is actually the first part of the constitution that says ‘we the people.’ The first thing you realise about Nigeria is that the first three words that bind us together are based on a fallacy, and are based on an untruth.”
Kila drew a striking analogy between a nation’s constitution and sacred texts, noting that just as the Bible or Quran guides millions of believers, a constitution must serve as a nation’s supreme guide — one that reflects the realities and will of its people.
He maintained that the current constitution was not written by the Nigerian people, but handed down as a decree — and this disconnect, he argued, explains much of the country’s governance challenges. Kila stressed the need for a new constitution that is genuinely people-driven, not merely people-claimed.
He said, “The constitution of a country is like the Bible to Christians or the Quran to Muslims, the holy books. That is the supreme book. If the supreme book that guides millions of people together is based on something that is not true, you can understand why a lot of things might not be going well.
“So, when you say the crucial part, one of the very crucial parts is actually the beginning. So when we say we the people, this is an opportunity to have a book that is actually about we the people, written by we the people in the right sense, not a decree that was sent to the people.”
Beyond addressing its flawed origin, Kila highlighted the need for the constitution to evolve with the country’s lived experience. He described it as a “living document” — not cast in stone, but a continuous reflection of Nigeria’s present realities, understanding of the past, and vision for the future.
The other aspect that will stem from our experience, is that a constitution is a living document. It is not something that is cast in stone. It is a continuous review of reflection of our present life, understanding of our past, and projection of a better future.
So, to that extent, the new constitution of the people will reflect the anxieties, aspirations, constraints, and visions of the people of Nigeria from across the Federation to curb what is bad today, encourage what is good, all towards having better governance and a better way of living.”
Kila concluded by emphasising that the ultimate goal is to craft a constitution that actively works for the betterment of governance.
Melissa Enoch
Follow us on:
