By Rafiyat Sadiq
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Joseph Bodurin Daudu, has stated that constitutional amendment alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s governance issues without a fundamental shift in the attitude of the country’s leaders.
He made this remark during the 14th edition of the Rule of Law Foundation’s webinar series, held in Abuja. The event also marked his 45 years at the Nigerian Bar and 30 years as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Leadership, Not Laws, is the Problem
Daudu asserted that the true challenge facing Nigeria’s governance is not the constitution itself but the conduct of those in power.
“The reason for bad governance and corruption in Nigeria is not the nature of the constitution but the attitude of the leaders and those at the helm of authority towards the basic principles of governance,” he explained.
READ ALSO: Obidients Appeal to Atiku to Support Obi for 2027 Presidential Race
He called on the National Assembly to ensure that the ongoing constitutional review process reflects democratic values, rather than political interests.
Proposed Amendments Under Scrutiny
In a paper titled “Addressing the Problems of Modern-Day Nigeria Through Constitutional Amendment – My Input as It Relates to the Ongoing Process of Constitutional Amendment”, Daudu identified several key areas under review for constitutional amendment by the National Assembly, offering his recommendations. These areas included judicial reforms, state policing, the creation of 46 new states, devolution of powers, and local government autonomy.
Judiciary Reform Must Protect the Supreme Court
On judicial reform, Daudu cautioned against any attempt to strip the Supreme Court of its final authority on election matters, describing such a proposal as “retrogressive”.
He proposed the establishment of a new trial constitutional court to handle pre-election disputes and judicial reviews. However, he emphasised that appeals in significant cases should remain within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
“Reforms should focus on judicial efficiency, merit-based case filtering, and systemic safeguards, without compromising the right to appeal to the apex court in high-stakes disputes,” he said.
Local Government Autonomy: A Work in Progress
Daudu also addressed the recent Supreme Court ruling that supported local government autonomy. He acknowledged it as a symbolic step forward but expressed doubt that it would be implemented effectively under the current system.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Salutes Aminu Dantata’s Legacy of Helping the Poor
“The legal arrangement under Section 162(6)-(8) of the constitution mandates that allocations from the Federation Account intended for local governments must be paid into a state joint local government account,” he explained.
He argued that true autonomy would require bold constitutional changes, rather than relying solely on court rulings.
Rejecting the Call for 46 New States
Daudu dismissed the proposal to create 46 new states as “the most unreasonable of all the proposed constitutional amendments”.
“Given the weak economic position the nation currently finds itself in, what should be on the agenda is the transformation of the existing 36 states into the six institutionalised geopolitical zones,” he added.
He warned that pushing for new states in the current climate would be “the greatest breach of faith committed by the present administration”.
Rule of Law Above All
Daudu also questioned whether Nigerian leaders truly uphold the principles of the rule of law, separation of powers, fair elections, and anti-corruption efforts.
He called for genuine leadership that matches any constitutional reforms, stressing that leadership must embody the values enshrined in the constitution.
Tributes and Recognition
The event saw several senior lawyers pay tribute to Daudu’s legacy in the legal profession. Audu Anuga (SAN) described him as “a man of great value who finds joy in helping others grow.”
Joseph Bodurin Daudu (SAN), born on December 27, 1959, is a distinguished jurist, Bencher, and former NBA President, with over 40 years of service in the legal profession.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.