Politics
New Constitution Is Solution To Nigeria’s Problem – Don
A Constitutional and International Law expert, Dr Wole Kunuji, says that secession will not end the various agitations and unrest in some parts of the country.
According to him, the most viable solution to the existential problem of Nigeria is to painstakingly and democratically work out a new constitutional framework.
Kunuji, of the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, told newsmen yesterday, that secession would create potential economic, logistical and administrative difficulties.
According to him, breaking away to start afresh will lead to fresh struggles for power and ascendancy within the new republics.
Kunuji said that such new constitution would work out the parameters under which the several ethnicities and nationalities that constitute the Nigerian state could peacefully cohabit without sacrificing their age-long desires for significant local autonomy.
“The Federal Government needs to urgently facilitate the birthing of a new constitution that will straighten out the terms of our collective existence as one indivisible state.
“First, government should set up a Constitution Drafting Committee (CDC). made up of eminent constitutionalists drawn from all over the country. “The CDC should be asked to review the reports and recommendations of all constitutional conferences ever held in our checkered history as a state.
“The CDC should also examine and review all our previous constitutional texts, especially the 1963 constitution which, by any yardstick, remains the most “federal” of all our constitutions till date.
“A draft constitution prepared by the CDC should be submitted to a Constituents Assembly popularly elected for the purpose of thoroughly debating the draft onstitution and membership of the Constituents Assembly should be drawn from all the 774 local governments in Nigeria.
“Following the Constituents Assemblys deliberation on and review of the draft constitution, a final draft adopted by the Assembly should be presented to Nigerians for ratification at a properly conducted referendum
“All Nigerians of voting age should be allowed to participate in this referendum,” he said
The scholar opined that the way out for the present administration is to rise up to the occasion, jettison conservatism and put in motion the process for the birthing of a truly democratic constitution that is genuinely federal in character.
He noted that the 1999 Constitution was an elitist framework foisted on Nigeria by the military on the eve of their departure from office in 1999.
“It is a lifeless document that is completely detached from the reality of Nigeria. To dust up this document and insist that it is the basis on which Nigeria must be governed is to play the ostrich despite glaring deficiencies in our current governance arrangement.
“The new constitution must foster unity without discountenancing diversity.
“It must enhance togetherness without suppressing local autonomy. This, candidly, is the only way out for a multi-national state like Nigeria.
“Our leaders must stand up to save the country from disintegrating by embarking on a genuine process of restructuring through a new constitutional framework.
“Only then will our children and grandchildren be able to look back several years hence and say “this, indeed, was their finest hour,” Kunuji said.
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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