A new constitution for debate(modernizing the Aburi reforms to fit todays governance)

 

Draft (Working document open for debate and discussion): 

Mini-Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Aburi 2.0 Model)




Preamble



We, the peoples of Nigeria, united in our diversity as a Union of Nationalities, committed to justice, equity, and peace, hereby adopt this Constitution to guarantee a fair federation, secure liberty, and ensure the prosperity of all regions and citizens.





Article I – The Federation



  1. Nigeria shall be a Union of Six Regions: North West, North East, North Central, South West, South East, and South South.
  2. Sovereignty resides in the people of Nigeria and is exercised through their states, regions, and the federation.
  3. Regions shall have autonomy in governance, security, economy, and justice, except for matters expressly reserved for the federation.






Article II – Federal Powers



The Federal Government shall have exclusive authority over:


  1. National Defense and Armed Forces
  2. Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy
  3. Currency, Monetary Policy, and Central Banking
  4. Immigration, Customs, and External Trade
  5. Inter-Regional Infrastructure and Transport Corridors



All other powers belong to the regions and states.





Article III – The Supreme Council of States



  1. The Supreme Council of States shall be the highest decision-making body of the federation.
  2. It shall consist of:
    • The President of the Federation
    • One representative from each of the six regions (selected by the Regional Governors’ Forum)
    • The Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives (non-voting members).
  3. Decisions of the Council shall be by consensus; where consensus fails, by a 5 out of 6 regional agreement.
  4. Matters requiring Council approval include:
    • Declaration of war or state of emergency
    • Revenue sharing formulas
    • Constitutional amendment




Article IV – The Presidency



  1. The President shall be elected by Nigerians through direct vote.
  2. A candidate must:
    • Secure at least 50% of national votes, and
    • Win a majority in at least four regions.
  3. The Presidency shall rotate among the six regions every four years.
  4. Eligibility requirements any of the following:
    • Must be in an intertribal marriage OR demonstrate strong family ties across ethnic lines.
    • Must be proficient in at least three Nigerian languages.
    • Must have resided at least ten years outside their state of origin.

    • Must hold a minimum of a Master’s degree.






Article V – The Legislature



  1. The National Assembly shall consist of:
    • House of Representatives: population-based representation.
    • Senate (House of Regions): equal representation of regions (10 per region).
  2. A bill must pass both Houses to become law, ensuring both population and regional balance.






Article VI – Regional Governments



  1. Each region shall have its own constitution, legislature, and judiciary.
  2. Regions shall control:
    • State and regional policing
    • Economic planning and taxation
    • Education and healthcare
    • Judiciary up to a Regional Supreme Court
  3. Federal law shall prevail only in matters expressly reserved for the federation.






Article VII – Elections and Electoral Bodies



  1. Each region shall establish an Independent Regional Electoral Commission for local elections.
  2. A Federal Electoral Council (composed of one representative per region) shall oversee national elections.
  3. Results shall be collated progressively: Ward → LGA → State → Region → Federal.
  4. All results shall be digitally uploaded in real time.
  5. Electoral disputes shall be heard first by Regional Electoral Courts, with appeals to the National Electoral Tribunal.






Article VIII – National Unity Obligations



  1. All federal political office holders must demonstrate compliance with unity credentials (as outlined in Article IV).
  2. Students shall spend at least one academic year in a region other than their own, supported by federal bursaries.
  3. The National Youth Service shall be reformed into a two-year professional service in another region.
  4. Companies with over 500 employees must show workforce diversity to qualify for federal contracts.






Article IX – Revenue and Resource Control



  1. Regions shall control and retain not less than 50% of resources produced within their territories.
  2. The remaining share shall be remitted to the federation for common services.
  3. Revenue distribution shall be reviewed every five years by the Supreme Council of States.






Article X – Unity Scorecard



  1. A National Unity Commission shall publish an annual report rating all political leaders on:
    • Diversity of appointments
    • Intertribal inclusion in policies
    • Promotion of cross-regional development
  2. A poor unity score may disqualify a leader from re-election or higher office.

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