JAFETO-E Calls for Constitutional Reform, Enforceable Welfare Rights, Tougher Action Against Grand Corruption

By Chief Olawale Ojoge-Daniel, Esq. and Chief (Mrs.) Bola-Wale Sobowale Ojoge-Daniel, Esq.

The Ojoge-Daniel Human Rights Foundation, popularly known as JAFETO-E, has called on the National Assembly and the Federal Government to embark on comprehensive constitutional reforms that would make the socioeconomic obligations contained in Chapter II of the 1999 Constitution more enforceable.

The organisation argued that Nigerians face a constitutional paradox in which the Constitution declares that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, while the legal framework generally limits citizens’ ability to seek direct judicial enforcement of the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy.

Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution provides that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”

According to JAFETO-E, the provision represents a powerful constitutional declaration, but its practical value is weakened by the limitations placed on judicial enforcement of Chapter II provisions.

The group particularly questioned the effect of Section 6(6)(c), which generally restricts judicial determination of whether government authorities have complied with the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles contained in Chapter II, except where the Constitution otherwise provides.

JAFETO-E therefore asked the National Assembly a fundamental question: What is the value of a constitutional obligation without an effective constitutional remedy?

The organisation maintained that governance is essentially a social contract in which citizens obey the law, pay taxes and submit themselves to constituted authority, while government is expected to protect lives, promote welfare and provide responsible governance.

It expressed concern over the worsening socioeconomic conditions confronting millions of Nigerians, including poverty, unemployment, hunger and insecurity.

“Where is the welfare? Where is the security?” the group asked, arguing that Nigeria cannot sustainably address insecurity without confronting the socioeconomic conditions that fuel desperation and criminality.

JAFETO-E warned that simply increasing weapons, security formations and policing structures without addressing poverty, unemployment and social injustice could prove inadequate.

The organisation argued that Nigeria must not attempt to “police its way out of poverty” or “arm its way out of social injustice,” stressing that security and socioeconomic development must be pursued together.

It also warned against the gradual weakening of legitimate state authority and the proliferation of non-state armed groups, urging the government to take preventive measures before the country faces deeper institutional and social fragmentation.

Call for Chapter II Reform

JAFETO-E called on the National Assembly to consider removing Section 6(6)(c) and strengthening the enforceability of socioeconomic guarantees contained in Chapter II.

It further proposed that fundamental guarantees relating to security, welfare and socioeconomic wellbeing should, where appropriate, be elevated into enforceable constitutional rights backed by effective judicial remedies.

The organisation invoked the ancient legal maxim, “Ubi jus, ibi remedium” — where there is a right, there must be a remedy.

According to the group, Nigerians should not merely be constitutional rights-holders in theory but should have meaningful legal avenues to seek redress when fundamental governmental obligations are allegedly violated.

“Why proclaim security and welfare as the primary purpose of government and then substantially insulate that constitutional obligation from direct judicial enforcement?” it asked.

JAFETO-E described this as a constitutional paradox that deserves serious national debate.

Lessons From the Welfare State

The organisation also pointed to Britain’s post-war welfare reforms, including the Beveridge blueprint and the Attlee Government’s establishment of a comprehensive welfare state and the National Health Service, as examples of how governments can respond to widespread social deprivation through deliberate public policy.

It questioned why Nigerians should accept mass poverty as an inevitable feature of democracy.

JAFETO-E Demands Stronger Response to Corruption

The group also identified corruption as another major threat to Nigeria’s development and security.

Quoting former President Muhammadu Buhari’s warning that, “If Nigeria does not kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria,” JAFETO-E argued that massive corruption can have consequences extending far beyond individual financial crimes.

It noted that the diversion of funds meant for hospitals, schools, security, infrastructure and workers could directly affect millions of citizens and deepen poverty, insecurity and social instability.

The organisation therefore called for a national debate on whether exceptionally grave cases of grand corruption involving massive public-resource theft should attract the severest penalties available under Nigerian law, subject to prosecution, conviction by a competent court, constitutional due process and fair hearing.

JAFETO-E stressed that its position should not be interpreted as support for mob justice or punishment without trial.

Rather, it said the principles of deterrence, proportionality and equality before the law should guide the national conversation on corruption and punishment.

“Act Before It Is Too Late”

The organisation urged the National Assembly and Federal Government to treat constitutional reform, social justice, welfare and security as interconnected national priorities.

Its message was clear: Nigeria must address poverty, unemployment and corruption while strengthening the institutions responsible for justice and democratic accountability.

“NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, ACT BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,” the organisation urged.

JAFETO-E said the constitutional declaration that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government” must be given substantive meaning and practical legal efficacy.

The organisation warned that Nigeria is facing dangerous socioeconomic tensions which, if left unresolved, could produce consequences that would be difficult to control.

It therefore advocated peaceful and constitutional reform, insisting that Nigerians must not remain passive when fundamental questions concerning governance, welfare, justice and security arise.

As the organisation put it, “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.”

The statement was signed by Chief Olawale Ojoge-Daniel, Esq., and Chief (Mrs.) Bola-Wale Sobowale Ojoge-Daniel, Esq., Co-Founders, Ojoge-Daniel Human Rights Foundation (JAFETO-E).

“STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS.” — JAFETO-E