Dr. Tunji Abayomi, a constitutional lawyer and participant in the National Constitutional Dialogue, criticized the 1999 constitution, stating that it unfairly affects minority Nigerians.
Abayomi revealed this information following the colloquium titled, ‘National dialogue on the future of Nigeria, ’ which took place at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos State on Monday.
The lawyer, who appeared on Arise TV's Morning Show programme on Tuesday, expressed that the constitution is against the people and requires urgent review for the benefit of Nigerians.
He mentioned, “By promoting the concept of ‘Nigerianity’, we can create a great nation. Every country has minority groups, and the law protects them. Most nations are diverse to some extent, but the law ensures the well-being of individuals.
“Once there is a law that safeguards the rights of citizens, there is no need to worry about the minority. The purpose of the commissions is to guarantee the protection of the citizens.
“The issue we face in Nigeria currently is not having a constitution formed by the people. We need a constitution where a minority can present the issues that are affecting them.”
Referring to prominent Senegalese author Leopold Senghor to offer a solution to Nigeria's ongoing constitutional issues, Abayomi suggested that Nigeria should have a universal gathering and come to an agreement on the terms of our unity.
“We have never gathered to agree on our terms of unity before. Lancaster was like a writ of summons. After Lancaster, we encountered a military regime that imposed the constitution,” he added.
The lawyer also advocated for unification as a federating unit while seeking the input of Nigerians on the structure of the country’s constitution.
According to The PUNCH, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, along with former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former governors, prominent diplomats, legal practitioners, and other elder statesmen, called for a change in Nigeria’s Constitution on Monday. (source: punchng.com)
The colloquium was organized in honor of the late legal expert, Prof Ben Nwabueze.
In attendance were former Akwa Ibom State governor, Obong Victor Attah; ex-Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke; former Sokoto Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; representative of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adewunmi Olayigbade; Leader of Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo; a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, and ex-Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
Other attendees included former Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amaechi; ex-Minister of Finance, Kalu Idika Kalu; former Governor of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola; former Military Governor of Ondo State and former Deputy National Chairman of PDP, Olabode George, ex-Delta Governor, James Ibori; pioneer Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Prof Anya O. Anya; and the keynote speaker, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN).
