Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Major General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) has said Nigeria urgently needs a true people’s constitution as the 1999 constitution, despite the many amendments it has undergone remains inadequate and in many respects, a hindrance to both economic growth and the full emancipation of the people.
According to him, what Nigeria requires is a genuinely negotiated constitution, one that reflects the aspirations of the nation’s diverse ethnic nationalities as only such a constitution, freely discussed and agreed upon, can form the basis of a stable, united and progressive Nigeria.
He stated this at the 24th Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture organized to mark the 80th birthday of the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo.
The lecture entitled: ‘The Nigeria of our dream: Today’s reality and a responsible pathfinder held on Thursday at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
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General Nwachukwu (rtd) who was the chairman of the event, explained further that there is also the matter of entrenching true federalism in national framework, adding that the echoes of this demand have lingered in the polity for decades, yet the call remains as valid today as it was at independence.
He added: “Federalism is not merely a political slogan, it is the enduring principle our forefathers envisaged for Nigeria. Enshrining genuine federalism in our constitution would guarantee resource control, empowering each federating unit to develop at its own pace and in accordance with its own priorities.”
To him, many states are blessed with abundant resources, some even more valuable than oil. “Granting them full autonomy resources would unleash innovation, stimulate economic activity, and reduce dependence on the center.
He however said to achieve this, the 1999 constitution must give way to a fresh document rooted in equity, justice and true federal principles.
“Thirdly, there is the fundamental right of Nigerians to live and thrive anywhere within their nation.
He added that the constitutions of 1960 and 1963, and indeed subsequent ones, clearly guaranteed the right of every Nigerian to reside wherever they chose and to enjoy full civic participation there.
“We must, therefore, resist every attempt to fan the embers of disunity. Nigerians must be free, free to live, work, build and aspire wherever they find themselves, and to take part fully in the governance of such places. This is the essence of national unity and citizenship.
Adding that the topic of the event is timely, General Nwachukwu said Nigeria is a land of immense promise, blessed with abundant resources and vibrant people.
“Yet today’s reality often confronts us with painful contradictions, extreme poverty amidst stupendous wealth, gross under-independent amidst tremendous potentials, and unity challenged by division.
He said that to bridge this gap requires responsible pathfinders, leaders who rise above self-interest to chart a course for the common good.
He congratulated the celebrant, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, describing him as a great man whose impact has extended far beyond the pulpit.
“In founding TREM, Bishop Okonkwo gave Nigeria more than a church, he gave us an institution of hope and influence.
He commended him for various programmes he sponsored to help Nigerians especially the annual essay competition, igniting in young people a passion for national consciousness, civic responsibility, and excellence in communication, among others.
Speaking on the topic, the Keynote speaker, Former Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo said to get Nigeria of our dream, the church needs to do more especially by producing people that will not support corruption but work for the progress of the nation.
“It is the preachers of the gospel that hold the key to the transformative experience of the Gospel. If the gospel is preached correctly, it will create renewed regenerated men and women.
He listed the principles that are preached to produce renewed men and women to include principles of hard work and productivity as the basis of work; educating, taking care of the poor and vulnerable and high moral values including integrity, trustworthiness.
“I must say, there is no society in the world today, be it Christian, be it Muslim, be it secular that developed without observing this same principles that helped develop Europe, enunciated in the gospel and preached by the religious leaders. So the question is simple, what is being taught on our pulpits, is it the true and transformative gospel of Jesus Christ, or a variant of that Gospel.
In his remarks, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu said on the 65th year of post –colonial independent for Nigeria, where can we say the nation stands. “Looking back, we have had great leaders, we have evolved institutions through civilian and military administrators; we have had great artists, writers and professionals in various discipline but Nigerians still need to do more to achieve the nation of our dream.”
BV.
