Ohaneze advises Tinubu against constituting new assembly, insists on 2014 confab report
Amarachi Ehia, Abakaliki
Ohaneze Ndigbo Weekend advised on President Ahmed Tinubu to implement the reports of 2014 National Conference organized by the then President of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan instead of constituting a new Assembly.
The Igbo group in a statement by its Secretary General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro noted that constituting a new Assembly will amount to waste of the country’s resources.
The apex Igbo socio cultural group commended the efforts Nigerian patriots led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku in securing people Democratic pluralistic constitution for the country.
The statement reads, “the Apex Igbo SocioCultural Organization, Ohaneze 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.
“Ohaneze 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, Ohaneze 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 marginalization 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, Ohaneze Ndigbo urges President Tinubu to prioritize 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”.
