Constitutionalism, Democracy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria

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