Igbo Think-Tank Says Nature Of Nigerian Federation Is Basis For Terrorism, Banditry, Violence Across Country
The National President of the group, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, who stated this on Sunday, during a press briefing after their Enugu state executive meeting, explained that the nature of the Nigerian federation was the basis for the perennial terrorism, banditry and violence witnessed across the country.
The Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF), an Igbo think-tank, has said that only regional autonomy and fiscal federalism can resolve the current chaotic state of Nigeria.
The National President of the group, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, who stated this on Sunday, during a press briefing after their Enugu state executive meeting, explained that the nature of the Nigerian federation was the basis for the perennial terrorism, banditry and violence witnessed across the country.
Awuzie, who identified restructuring as the solution to insecurity and economic crises bedevilling the nation, however, suggested that there should be a return to the 1963 regional constitution.
“The ADF believes that the chaotic nature of the Nigerian federation is the basis of the perennial terrorism, banditry and violence which have made life unbearable in Nigeria today,” he said. “To build an equitable federal structure based on social justice, we advocate the reconstitution/ renegotiation of the Nigerian Federation.”
He added, “This should be done through the making of a new people’s Constitution and not the amendment of the 1999 Constitution as embarked upon by the current and former National Assemblies from 1999 to date.
“We are convinced that only a return to Regional Autonomy and Fiscal Federalism can resolve the problems bedevilling the crisis-ridden Nigerian federation. There should be a return to the 1963 Regional Constitution which was agreed upon by Nigeria’s founding fathers.”
Describing the constant attempt by the National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution as a waste of the nation’s resources, Awuzie stated that the constitution cannot be amended.
According to him, amending the 1999 Constitution will involve the state houses of assembly, which makes it impossible with various geopolitical interests.
Awuzie, therefore, advocated that there should be a return to what he described as the people’s constitution, noting that the 1999 Constitution was imposed on the people by the military.
He maintained that the governors have much influence on the state houses of assembly and will therefore, not allow them to do what they (the governors) do not want.
