August 12, (THEWILL) – The pan Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has described as a waste of resources, the call for a constituent assembly as a way of addressing the economic and social challenges bedevilling the country.
A press statement issued on Sunday, by the Secretary-General of the organisation, Mazi Isiguzoro Okechukwu, said the implementation of the 2014 Confab, will address the pluralism of Nigeria.
He added that Nigeria needs a new constitution to address the flaws and shortcomings of the 1999 military-imposed constitution.
The statement reads, “The apex Igbo Socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation for the commitment and patriotism exhibited by The Patriots, led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, towards securing a “People’s Democratic Pluralistic Constitution” for Nigeria.
“We acknowledge the need for a new constitution to address the defects, flaws and shortcomings of the Military-imposed 1999 Constitution, which lacks the clarity and strength to cater to the demands of a pluralistic society like Nigeria.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo commends The Patriots for their bold demands for a brand new constitution and the implementation of the 2014 National Conference recommendations and other past constitutional frameworks.
“We believe that a true federal constitution, similar to those of countries like India and Canada, will help address Nigeria’s pluralistic challenges and foster unity and progress. We must learn from the mistakes of other pluralistic nations that failed to address their basic challenges through a Federal constitution, leading to disintegration.
“We align with President Tinubu’s response to The Patriots, as conveyed by his media aide, Mr Bayo Onanuga, regarding the government’s focus on economic reforms to address hunger, high costs of living and food insecurities in the country. It is imperative that tangible and practical solutions are put in place to address these pressing issues.
“While we accept most of the demands put forth by The Patriots, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, respectfully disagrees with the convening of a National Constituent Assembly at this time. Given the recent hunger protests and threats of international interference, it would be insensitive and ill-timed for President Tinubu to approve such a convergence. The focus should be on implementing the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference, which remains the best framework for addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
“We reflect on the historical marginalisation of the Southeast and the recommendations of past constitutional conferences, such as the Obasanjo 2005 National Confab and Jonathan 2014 National Conference, which aimed to correct this imbalance. It is crucial that President Tinubu considers implementing the 2014 National Conference recommendations, to address the pluralism of Nigerian society and leave a lasting legacy of progress and unity.
“In conclusion, Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges President Tinubu to prioritise the implementation of the 2014 National Conference recommendations, over convening a new National Constituent Assembly. This will not only save scarce resources but also lead to meaningful economic policies that will improve the lives of all Nigerians. Let us work together towards a better and more united Nigeria”, Okechukwu Isiguzoro admonished.
Sunday Ogbu is a professional journalist with eight - twelve years experience that had worked with various print and online media. Sunday specializes in news reporting with the aim of educating his readers on current social, political and economic occurences within his area of coverage. Sunday is a strong force to work with in the media industry and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. Sunday is inspired daily by his wife and their four children. In his free time, Sunday likes sight-seeing, reading and discussing issues of societal interest.
