Northern Elders Take Stand On Move To Review 1999 Constitution

The Northern Elders Forum, NEF has reacted to the move to review the 1999 constitution stating that the initiative of the Senate is of no value and a predictable waste of time, resources and energy.

In a statement issued by the forum, it said such move should not be supported by Nigerians at a time when the economy is facing unprecedented challenges.

According to the NEF, the North wants a major review of the Constitution, but it is also ready to resist attempts to create wealth for a few while it leaves parts of the country to quarrel and blame each other for the state of the nation.

It noted that virtually every National Assembly since 1999 had spent huge amounts of the nation’s resources on jamborees that give Nigerians false hope.

Meanwhile, NEF added that nothing fundamental or of any value has come out of the grand schemes to exploit the collective desire of Nigerians to address the nation’s political and economic fundamentals.

The reaction follows the notice issued by the constitution review ad hoc committee chairman, Ovie Omo-Agege.

In the notice, the committee asked the general public, professional bodies and other interest groups to submit proposals for further alteration of the 1999 constitution within two weeks from August 26.

However, the Forum reminded legislators and other leaders from the North that security of communities, reduction of crushing poverty and widening distrust among communities should be their priorities.

Also, it recommended the alternative of leaders of thought to freely discuss every element of Nigeria’s co-existence under principles of voluntarism, genuine representation mutual respect and integrity of the process.

The forum expressed the willingness of the Northern part of the country to discuss other options that will do justice to the current Constitution and the future of the country.