Constitutionalism, Democracy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria
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This paper argues that the popular consensus that democracy foster development
takes for granted the fact that democracy can only foster development if a democratic
practice is predicated on the ability of a society to imbibe a culture of constitutionalism.
While the developed societies recognize this fact, and as early as 1215 limitation had
been placed on the power of the king in England, the 21st century African's political
class especially Nigeria, has continued to practice an unbridled exercise of political
power. This paper maintains that, the failure to institutionalize mechanism of power control
for the protection of the interest and liberties of the general populace including those of
the minority jeopardizes the attainment of development. That until the Nigerian constitution
entrenched the principle of constitutionalism that secure democratic process on the
people, development will remain a Sisyphean task. Drawing examples from some countries
the paper concludes that genuine development that is sustainable, can only be realized
in Africa and most importantly in Nigeria if all ethnic groups, cultures and cleavages both
individuals and groups are accorded their due rights of participating in the formulation of
the constitution that guide their relationship with the state and among each other and
the government adherence to the dictate of th~ people's constitution, this in turn helps
to checkmate the excesses of government, then the people's rights, interests and
preferences can be guaranteed and sustainable development ensured.
Keywords
JA Political science (General)