Ex-Kebbi Senator Bala Na’Allah praises the Nigerian Constitution, stressing that enforcement, not the law itself, is the nation’s main challenge
Former Deputy Senate Majority Leader Bala Ibn Na’Allah has described the Nigerian Constitution as one of the best legal documents globally, emphasising that the country’s primary challenge lies in enforcement rather than the law itself.
Na’Allah, who represented Kebbi South Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress, made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Monday.
“Our constitution is one of the best documents you can find anywhere in the world. Our major issue is those charged with the responsibility of implementing the letter and spirit of the constitution,” he said.
The former senator explained that the constitutional framework was designed to accommodate Nigeria’s multi-religious, multi-ethnic, and multicultural society, preventing domination by any single group in governance.
He highlighted the role of the Federal Executive Council in collective decision-making, noting that executive powers are exercised through cabinet meetings rather than concentrated in the presidency.
Ministers representing each state bring local concerns to the council, with the president directing follow-up actions.
Na’Allah argued that recent administrations have largely adhered to the intended spirit of governance, but stressed that accountability and implementation remain crucial.
“It’s expected that issues raised in council meetings receive actionable responses and progress reports at subsequent sessions,” he said.
The remarks come amid ongoing debates on constitutional reform, federalism, and restructuring, as critics argue the 1999 Constitution overly centralises authority, while supporters like Na’Allah insist that the provisions are sound if properly enforced.
