A Case for Creation of Constitutional Roles for Our First Ladies, Particularly in Nigeria

Abstract

The expression “First Lady” in all modern democracies of the world refers to the wife of the head of government, that is, the President or Prime Minister and they play significant roles in the realization of political party manifestoes of their various jurisdictions. In Nigeria, the Nigerian first lady even before independence in 1960 has been very visible, particularly in the execution of social welfare programmes, such as health care, education, and other minor services. In recent times, they have engaged in major projects such as building multi-billion hospitals as in the case of the wife of the Nigerian President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari in Daura, Katsina State and even a Private University at Adamawa State, her maiden state by the same first lady. The source of funding of these projects remains donations from government, government contractors and other citizens. The same is happening in the States of the Federation, where governors’ wives embark on multi-billion projects which sources of funding remain opaque. This paper argues that time has come for the constitution to be amended to provide legal framework for the operation of these ladies so as to enthrone accountability in government and eradicate corruption in polity.