Former President Olusegun Obasanjo-led Committee for the Goodness of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to accord the issue of constitution review the urgency it deserves.
Speaking yesterday at the end of a two-day meeting, the forum admonished the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to mobilise strongwill, vision and action in the reform process to enable it address both contemporary national challenges and the future of a stable, political and prosperous Nigeria.
They spoke through the secretary, Ambassador Amhed Magaji, “to fix Nigeria as a beginning that must be made.”
The committee was convened by Obasanjo, ex-Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd), Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar and ersrtwhile Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan.
The panel also has as members one-time Defence chiefs, former and current Chief Justices of Nigeria (CJNs), ex-National Security Advisers (NSAs), erstwhile Secretaries to the Government of the Federation (SGFs), traditional rulers, women leaders, National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS), youth leaders, academic unions and labour unions.
Others are representatives of socio-cultural organisations, including Afenifere, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Middle Belt Forum, Northern Elders Forum and Ohanaeze Ndigbo.
The meeting, among other recommendations, urged the President to assent to the Electoral Bill.
“We support all efforts to improve the quality of the electoral process and other processes for the emergence of quality leadership in Nigeria,” it added.
According to the forum, Nigerians should be allowed to vote their leaders at both primary and general elections through a transparent process rather than “through an indirect and a manipulative process.”
“Constitutional amendments currently being considered should be concluded and implemented with the most minimum of delay. These amendments will have a major impact in terms of improving the atmosphere and context for the peaceful and credible conduct of the 2023 elections, and for peace, security, stability, equity, development, inclusive society, growth and progress,” it added.
Source: Guardian.ng