Yesterday, The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) urged the Federal Government to begin the process of
restructuring Nigeria by throwing away the 1999 Constitution and the
plan to amend it.
Addressing reporters after its 19th
National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in its Ibadan headquarters
yesterday, the council described the 1999 Constitution as the “old
military Decree 24”.
In the communique read to reporters by
its General Secretary, Dr. Kunle Olajide, on behalf of the
President-General, Chief Idowu Sofola (SAN), YCE said the constitution
is a pseudo-federal constitution, which is actually a unitary
constitution in disguise.
“It cannot work in a multi-ethnic country like Nigeria,” the council said.
It read in part: “A constitution that
virtually neutralises the local government system, which is the nearest
to the people has invariably consigned the people to irrelevance and put
development at the grassroots in reverse gear. A constitution and
system of government that continue to explore natural resources to
enrich the ruling class at the expense of the people cannot endure. This
constitution compels corruption.
“Our country is presently confronted
with daunting challenges of increasing youth unemployment, which is
fueling insecurity, kidnapping, armed robbery and separatist agitations.
These challenges clearly show that Nigeria’s problems are foundational
and structural, therefore, constitutional. Unending piecemeal amendments
of the 1999 Constitution cannot work. It will merely be postponing the
doomsday.
“The constitution must be discarded, and
the 1963 Constitution and the resolutions of the 2014 National
Conference should be used as a template for a new ground rule, which
will be submitted to the people in a referendum.”
The council hailed regional integration
efforts of Southwest governors and assured them of its support as they
raise the stake in preserving the values of the Yoruba people.
The YCE condoled with the families of the late Alagba Adebayo Faleti and Dr. Olu Onagoruwa. They passed away last week.
The council described Faleti as a
cultural icon of Yorubaland, Yoruba language exponent, poet and
dramatist. It also described Onagoruwa as a foremost solicitor and
advocate, a human rights activist and fighter for press freedom.
It urged government at all levels to pay
more attention to the plights of pensioners, saying they deserved to
enjoy their old age in peace.
Other NEC members at the meeting included Prof. Adetohun Ogunseye, Chief Mrs. Bola Doherty and Chief Ayo Ojebode.
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