The nation is teetering on the historic gradient of constitutional amendment. Leaders and pundits from all facets,have fixed their gaze on the proverbial crystal ball looking for solution to our perennial problems. Even the ostriches amongst us cannot deny the fact that the legal principles of our federalism need urgent constitutional definition and redefinition. It is in the light of the foregoing that, CSDDN, an alliance of 79 democracy-inclined civil society organisations, held a plenary conference of all stakeholders on the 2nd of September 2011, at Protea Hotel, Asokoro Abuja.
The mission of the groups, we learnt, was aimed at promoting the compliance with Chapter 11, of the Nigeria Constitution as amended.The Chapter ecapsulate the Fundamental Objectives And Principles Of State Policy and If governments at all levels could honour this chapter , Nigeria will be a better place for all of us.
“In regard to the forgoing, it is our considered opinion that the chapter should not remain a pious hope;rather it should be enforceable.To this end ,we support the six(6)years single tenure for the office of President and Governors muted by Mr.President.The proposal is in agreement with Chapter 11(3),of the constitution which stated among others;that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states ,or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that government.
The idea of fixed tenure for President and Governors was recommendation of the national conference held in 19945/95 ,the same conference that recommended the six(6) geo-political zones which has been adopted as a convention by the governments since 1999.This singular act,has rekindled hope of Nigerians ,regardless tribes that aspiring for any political office in the country,which the fixed tenure for president and governors will enhance.Since there is no perfect democracy any where ,the democracy inclined countries around the world look their environment to find solution that are suitable and promote peace and stability .Lebanon and Switzerland entrenced in their constitutions the sharing formula of political office along religion and ethnic formation.
We call all Nigerians to emulate Americans of 1776 and ,thus,ensure that the proposed constitutional amendment lay the foundation of people focused government on such principles of effective federalism and doctrine of checks and balances”, submited Conrade Olufemi Aduwo
