Northern and Southern elders are divided over calls for a new Nigerian Constitution.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Middle-Belt Forum (MBF) advocate for amending the current Constitution, while the Southern groups like PANDEF, Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and the Middle-Belt Forum advocate for drafting a new Constitution, arguing that the 1999 Constitution (as amended), imposed by the military, is flawed and hinders true federalism. They believe a new Constitution should address structural imbalances and ensure equity.
On the other hand, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), in the North, prefers amending the current Constitution through the National Assembly, emphasising that the issue lies more with adherence to constitutional principles rather than the Constitution itself.
The groups, it was gathered, disagree on the best approach to addressing the country’s structural imbalances and ensuring equity and justice. While the northern groups believe the current Constitution can be improved through amendments, the southern groups argue for a fresh start.
PANDEF’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ken Robinson, who disclosed this in a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said apart from having significant flaws, the 1999 Constitution was imposed on Nigerians by the military. He stated that a new Constitution must address structural imbalances and ensure equity, fairness, and justice for the country to move forward.
Dr. Robinson further stated that the current Constitution, as amended, undermined true federalism by concentrating power and resources at the centre, which has hindered development and stability.
In its reaction, the Middle-Belt Forum (MBF), through the national president, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, said amending the current Constitution is cumbersome and would not take the country anywhere. He argued that the last Peoples Democratic Constitution was that 1963, which was different from the military Constitution of 1999, (as amended).
On its part, the apex Igbo social-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has advocated a new Constitution with six Federating Units.
Meanwhile, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation (Afenifere) has also insisted on restructuring the country through a new or amended Constitution.
Speaking in a telephone interview with newsmen, the National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, maintained that Afenifere has been a longtime proponent of restructuring the country. He noted that there is no confusion about what the group wants from the Federal Government and said that restructuring could be affected by amending the existing Constitution or otherwise.
However, the Yoruba Youth Socio-Cultural Association has argued that the current Constitution is adequate but open to necessary amendments. For the apex socio-cultural organisation in the North, the federal parliament should implement any changes to the Constitution.
According to the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor T..A. Muhammad Baba, the Forum had already discussed and reached a position on the proposed constitutional amendment to the Nigerian Constitution.
Meanwhile, a 17-member committee led by Prof. Anthony Kila was inaugurated. According to the general secretary of the Patriots, Olawale Okunniyi, the Committee will engage significant stakeholders and public members across the country on what the peoples constitution entails and its benefits.
