NADECO Faults ’99 Constitution, Calls For Sovereign Conference

Members of the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, have urged the Federal Government to urgently convoke a Sovereign National Conference, SNC, to discuss the terms for peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities, adding that there is no alternative route to peaceful coexistence.

From this week, the association said it would intensify the sensitisation of the people about the imperative of the national debate.

The group did not, however, unfold the modalities for convoking the conference—the relationship between the elected government and the conference, delegate selection and number, venue of the conference, and duration, and usefulness of the outcome.

NADECO leaders, at a world press conference, outlined the steps that would lead to a suitable atmosphere for painstaking national debate.

The theme of the briefing by the group’s leader, Admiral Ndubusi Kanu(retd), was: “Restructuring and true federalism now: Averting disintegration and violence”.

Kanu, who is a former military governor of Lagos State, warned of the dire consequences of ignoring the persistent call for a national debate on the future of the country.

“NADECO repeats its call for a sovereign national conference. Between Aburi and Araba, NADECO believes that a sovereign national conference is the inevitable first step and irreducible minimum condition that can set us on the path to salvaging the country from the unfolding grave dangers”, he said.

The text read by Kanu was signed by 23 other leaders including Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Fred Agbeyegbe, Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Dr. Uma Eleazu, Senator Biyi Durojaye, Chief Guy Ikoku, Alfred Ilenre, Emeka Ugwu-Oju, Dr Amos Akingba, Asue Ighodaro, Col. Tony Nyam, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Senator Femi Okunrounmu, Joe Ikuna, Tony Nnadi, Paddy Obada, Tokunbo Ajasin, George Ekeh, Baba Omojola, Linus Okoroji, Louis Egwuatu, Pedro Okogie and Ayo Opadokun.

With Kanu at the briefing were Mr. Wale Oshun, Rev. Tunji Abayomi, Tayo Soyode, Shetima Yerima, Ajayi Popoola, Remi Adeyemo and leaders of ethnic nationalities and self-determination groups.

Kanu reviewed the journey of the country from 1999 to date, lamenting that 13 years of civil rule have not resolved burning national questions threatening to tear the country apart.

He pointed out that the various ethnic groups in the country have not ceased to complain about the lack of true federalism, danger of over-centralisation, religious bigotry, growing insecurity and refusal of government to restructure the polity in an atmosphere of devolution of powers.

The retired admiral also complained about the false premise of 1999, recalling that the constitution foisted on the country by the military did not have the seal of the people.

Kanu said the menace of Boko Haram had ignited the fear that lives of people are not safe outside their states or zones of origin, warning that, unless there is opportunity for national talks, the recent calamities would pale into a child’s play.

Kanu added: “Some who believe they benefit from the skewed structure and who adamantly refuse to allow the needed dialogue often turn round to accuse SNC proponents of pushing for Nigeria’s break up. The truth, however, is that the actions of the opponents of SNC can lead to Nigeria’s break up and responsibility for such outcome would rest squarely upon such opponents of SNC”.

The NADECO leader asked President Goodluck Jonathan to embrace the proposed conference as the solution to the crisis rocking the country.

He also urged the ethnic nationalities “to intensify their respective constitution-making processes in formations of their choice, including conducting referendum in their respective areas and blocs in readiness for the inevitable final peaceful resolution of the long standing national questions.

“Pursuant to this, and accordingly, ethnic nationalities across the country should now liaise positively towards meeting in a conference within the first half of 2012. The earlier, the better”, Kanu added.

Opadokun explained that the group could no longer ignore the appeal by Nigerians to salvage the country. “We have been inundated with appeals, pressures and consultations have been on the dangers Nigeria is facing”, he told reporters.

The secretary said that, in the last months, some avoidable crisis staring the nation in the face were embarrassing.

He emphasised that, if well meaning Nigerians refuse to rise to the occasion, the situation could be worse. “If Nigeria is not safeguarded and problem comes, the tiny minority of power hijackers would run abroad. An international organisation had warned that Nigeria may disintegrate in 2015. We need to be warned”, he added.

Senator Biyi Durojaye allayed the fears of those who think that a national conference would mark the end of Nigeria. He said NADECO is not against the government, adding that the group is just exploring ways of moving the country forward.

“We were the people that fought for democracy. We have been warning those in power to behave. We cannot be aloof and watch the country go asunder. That is why we say, let us talk now. How best we can continue to live together? Perhaps , we should go back to the 1960 Constitution”, he added.

Chief Fred Agbeyegbe justified the rejection of the 1999 Constitution by the group, adding that national conference can be convoked, if the will is sustained.

“In spite of the fact that Abacha was armed, we still dared him. We are in a similar situation today. Why should Nigeria be governed based on 1999 Constitution? Nigeria must be a federal union and the component units must have their separate constitutions,” he said.