Thoughts On The Nigerian Constitution

I have written this book for two reasons. Firstly, I am not sure if I shall be in a position to participate in the deliberations of the proposed constituent assembly, or to address public gatherings with a view to educating our people on the issues involved, before a referendum is conducted on a new constitution. Having played a leading role in the work of constitution-making in Nigeria since 1949, I feel strongly that I owe it as a duty to our people to avail them of the benefit of my views. Secondly, the rationale of the suspended constitution has been so overlaid with misconception and distortion that a comprehensive restatement of the case  for and against federalism or unitarianism appears tom e to be called for.

OBAFEMI AWOLOWO
CELL DUP2. CALABAR PRISON
12 June, 1966