Presidential Leave: Between Constitutional Debate and Compliance

The article discusses the frequency of constitutional debates in Nigeria, noting that every week a new section of the 1999 Constitution is considered, yet tangible outcomes are rare. It argues that where vacuums in the Constitution require filling or provisions need amendment, they are left unaddressed, while the State and citizens often observe the Constitution in the breach or run with wrong interpretations. The piece emphasizes that debate is not a substitute for compliance or constitutional amendment, and that reliance on convention instead of the Constitution itself is common. It references Section 1(1) & (3) of the Constitution to highlight the importance of compliance.

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