Question

How is the adoption of an appropriate constitution a sine qua non to development​

Answer 1

• This paper examines the concepts of constitutionalism and democracy. It analyses the essential components of these twin concepts within the Nigerian context. The paper goes further to discuss the synergy between constitutionalism and democracy and links it to developmental issues in Nigeria. The paper contends that without the entrenchment of constitutionalism and the concomitant components of the supremacy of the constitution, separation of powers and the rule of law, the consolidation of Nigeria’s democracy and realization of national development will be elusive. The synergy between constitutionalism and democracy is a sine qua non for development to prevail in Nigeria. The paper therefore recommend strict adherence to the tenets of constitution, amendment of some provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, establishment of a viable and independent judiciary, a functional legislature, anti-corruption reform, re-invigoration of civic education and an improvement in leadership quality as panacea for national development.