Eben Enasco

Nigeria’s constitution is a document that embodies the hopes and aspirations of its citizens.

It promises a framework for governance, protection of individual rights, and promotion of social justice.

However, the reality on the ground paints a different picture as successive governments continue to rattle citizens with alien policies.

In Rivers State a constitutionally elected Governor was suspended by a team of personalities who should do more to protect the constitution.

These man made gang mob appointed an administrator as though Nigeria now practices “Democratic-Military Formation”.

They only claimed the state was heading towards anarchy even caused by a member of a political party and former governor who is now in the incumbent federal government acting in dual capacity.

A democratically elected local Government Managers were chased away In Edo State, even though their tenures have not ended in a three year tenure bound.

In Osun State similar local government operations were abruptly halted creating room for constitutional chaos.

The local government secretariats have remained unoccupied since February 22, 2025, local government elections in the state.

The debacle surrounding the local government system in Osun State became another reflection of the challenges faced by the country’s governance framework.

Despite the constitution’s noble provisions, many of its promises remain unfulfilled, leaving Nigerians disillusioned and frustrated.

The disconnect between Constitutional Provisions and Reality reflects in the conducts of electoral processes, Securing lives and Property, Judiciary system, learning circle, tax collection undertaken, and stakes in mineral expliots.

Particularly, the Judiciary, which has become an extended organ for club owners in Nigeria government who relly on them to do justice even when it remains a clear injustice.

The founders of law in legislative business are the first to flout a law they made at taxpayers cost.

Once these laws don’t favour them, they jump to hide in another political party to remain relevant and protected.

That is why a certain political leader in Edo ones said, once you become a member of his party your SINS are forgiven.

Although, from time to time he has continued to deny making such utterances but various footage watched suggested the statement was clearly stated by him.

The Nigerian constitution outlines a range of fundamental rights, including the right to life, dignity, and freedom from discrimination. It also provides for the protection of individual rights, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and association.

However, the implementation of these provisions has been inconsistent, and many Nigerians continue to face human rights abuses, insecurity, and marginalization.

From Yelewata in Benue State, at least 218 people were reportedly killed and more than 6,000 displaced after a spate of devastating attacks on mostly Christian villages, northern Nigeria, by suspected Fulani militants.

The attacks happened between 8 and 14 June, with the deadliest on 13 June when a displacement camp numbering 400 people in Yelewata was attacked.

The militants were first resisted by the military, only for them to retreat to a market area where IDPs were taking refuge in storage facilities. Shouting “Allahu Akbar” (“God is greater”), they burnt the buildings and attacked people with guns and machetes.

Some 200 people were killed and five injured. Earlier that day, six civilians and three soldiers were killed in separate incidents.

However, on June 16, 2025
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu ordered security agencies to bring an end to the wave of killings in central Benue state which he visited on Wednesday that week.

The constitution also promises social and economic rights, such as access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.

However, the reality is that many Nigerians struggle to access basic services, and poverty remains a pervasive issue.

The healthcare system is underfunded, education is often inaccessible, and economic opportunities are limited, leaving many Nigerians in a state of economic hardship.

The failure to fulfill constitutional promises has had a profound impact on Nigerians.

Many citizens feel disillusioned and frustrated, wondering why the constitution’s noble provisions have not been translated into reality.

The lack of trust in institutions and the perception of corruption have further eroded confidence in the system.

To address the issue of broken constitutional promises, Nigeria needs to take a multifaceted approach.

This includes ensuring that institutions are independent, impartial, and accountable which is crucial to upholding the constitution.

Transparency and accountability are essential in governance, and measures should be taken to prevent corruption and ensure that public officials are held accountable for their actions.

Investing in healthcare, education, and other social services which is critical to delivering on the constitution’s promises of social and economic rights.

Empowering citizens to demand their rights and hold leaders accountable is essential to creating a more just and equitable society.

To fulfill the constitution’s promises, Nigeria needs to take a multifaceted approach that includes strengthening institutions, promoting transparency and accountability, investing in social services, and empowering citizens.

Only then can Nigerians realize the aspirations enshrined in their constitution.