Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a leading Igbo socio-cultural organization, has criticized the call for a constituent assembly as a waste of resources. Instead, the group believes that implementing the recommendations from the 2014 National Conference would be a more effective way to address Nigeria’s economic and social challenges.
In a statement released on Sunday, Mazi Isiguzoro Okechukwu, the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, emphasized the need for a new constitution to address the problems in the 1999 constitution, which was imposed during military rule. He stressed that Nigeria requires a constitution that can properly handle the country’s diverse and complex society.
The statement reads: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo appreciates The Patriots, led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, for their efforts to secure a new, inclusive constitution for Nigeria. We agree that the 1999 constitution has flaws and does not meet the needs of a diverse nation like Nigeria. We support the call for a new constitution and the implementation of the 2014 National Conference recommendations.”
According to Ohanaeze Ndigbo, adopting a federal constitution similar to those in countries like India and Canada could help Nigeria deal with its diversity and promote unity. They warn against repeating the mistakes of other diverse nations that failed to address their core issues through a federal system.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo also supports President Tinubu’s focus on economic reforms as mentioned by his spokesperson, Mr. Bayo Onanuga. The group believes that addressing issues like hunger, high living costs, and food insecurity should be a priority.
While Ohanaeze Ndigbo agrees with many of The Patriots’ demands, they oppose the idea of convening a new National Constituent Assembly at this time. They argue that given recent protests and potential international interference, it would be ill-advised for President Tinubu to approve such a move. Instead, they advocate for the implementation of the 2014 National Conference recommendations, which they view as a practical framework for addressing Nigeria’s issues.
The organization also reflects on the historical marginalization of the Southeast and the need to address this imbalance through the recommendations from past constitutional conferences, including the 2005 Obasanjo National Conference and the 2014 Jonathan National Conference.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo urges President Tinubu to focus on these recommendations to bring about lasting progress and unity.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls on President Tinubu to prioritize implementing the 2014 National Conference recommendations over forming a new constituent assembly. They believe this approach will conserve resources and lead to meaningful economic reforms that can improve the lives of Nigerians.
