A SOUL SEARCHING NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO ALL NIGERIAN PATRIOTS !!!“A NEW NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION FOR A BETTER NIGERIA: A DIFFERENT APPROACH”
In the recent past, NESH Foundation submitted that Nigerians should now pay more attention to the Legislature for the birthing of a new constitution, which can be owned by most Nigerians. Such a Constitution will promote better governance and enhance the performance of the Executive and Judicial arms of Government. It is against this background that we decided to canvas for the slogan,
ALL EYES ON THE LEGISLATURE. Unfortunately, there currently exists a major trust deficit, with the Legislative arm of Government on the receiving end of massive misgivings by citizens, many of whom rightly or wrongly believe that most of the current crop of legislators are not interested in making laws for better governance. The general perception is that they are only concerned about how to feather their nests and “recoup money spent on elections and legal bills post elections”. This is very unfortunate.The recent purchase of very expensive vehicles for all members of the current National Assembly despite the very poor state of our economy has not helped matters. Instead, this fact alone has cemented the belief of sceptics that the National Assembly, as constituted at the moment, has no interest whatsoever in the welfare of the citizenry. After careful examination of the foregoing and more, NESH Foundation came to the conclusion that many Nigerian voters have, over time, been doing same wrong things and expecting different results. They want a new constitution that really works for the people, but they refuse to take ownership of producing that constitution. They have adopted the wrong attitude of expecting the very Executive and Legislative arms of government that they do not trust to give Nigerians a new constitution. The fact that members of these arms of government may “love” the Constitution as it is, presents the challenge of how to make lovers of the status quo work towards changing it. The reality is that nothing has changed all these years despite the continuous national conferences,and repeated press conferences and statements by many ethnic groups and individuals for a New Constitution.
Consequently, NESH Foundation is suggesting a different approach. The new call is for all Nigerians who desire a New Constitution produced by the people, for a New and Better Nigeria to refocus their aspirations and efforts thus:1. Electing in the next general elections of 2027, candidates at the Federal and State Legislatures with the sole mandate of producing a New Constitution. 2. A new emphasis in electoral action that does NOT just focus mainly on the election of a President and State Governors. 3. Renewed awareness creation on the need for the masses to take ownership of the Legislature from the current crop of politicians who don’t want a change of the present status quo, in order to birth a New Nigerian Constitution.4. All Nigerian Patriots and Patriotic Groups – Ethnic Nationality Groups( Afenifere, Arewa Consultative Forum, Pan Niger Delta Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, etc) Churches, Mosques, Town Unions, Labour organisations, Political Movements – (NADECO, PRONACO, COPDEM, OPC, IPOB, etc), Professional Groups- (NBA, NMA, ICAN, NSE, ASUU, etc) Market Associations – (Miyetti Allah, Igboamaka Traders Association, etc), Students, – should urgently come together to form a unified movement that would support an existing or new National Party, whose sole objective will be the birthing of a new Nigerian Constitution as agreed by the Movement.5. The specific demand by a new concert of Constitution-focused stakeholders on a national platform with the following key characteristics:(a) A broad base of professionals, tradesmen, elder statesmen , youth leaders, women leaders, traditional and religious leaders , etc., interested in a bottom-up approach to national rebirth.(b) A leadership structure that will dissolve all administrative arms and processes, and thus make the platform cease to exist 2 years after the proclamation of a New Constitution. (c) NO CANDIDATES WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE PLATFORM FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL AND GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS IN 2027. (d) The presentation of candidates for the legislative elections in 2027 who would not have contested for elections, or held party positions, in any of the existing political parties.(e) The emphasis on candidates of good character and knowledge who are willing, when called upon by their constituents, to come out and contest elections for the making of a new constitution.(f) A scheme to ensure that such candidates are sponsored and financed by their constituents and the Movement (f) The suggested name for the existing or new Party that will be supported by the Movement is “ALLIANCE FOR A NEW NIGERIA CONSTITUTION PARTY (ANNCP)” or something similar which will emphasize that the sole purpose of the party is the midwifing of a new Nigerian constitution. 3. SUGGESTED PILLARS FOR THE NEW NIGERIA CONSTITUTION TO BE CANVASSED BY THE MOVEMENT:(i )Guaranteeing of Fundamental Human Rights for all Nigerian Citizens and Residents & Strict adherence to the Rule of Law.(ii) The existing 6 Geopolitical Zones to be recognized in the constitution. (iii) Parliamentary System of Government.(Drastic reduction in electioneering cost and Cost of Governance) (iv) A Single term of 5 years for all Executive Positions at the Local, State , and National, which will be Rotational. National – 6 Zones, States and LGAs -3 Zones. ( For Stability and Inclusiveness)(v) A Development Commission for each Geopolitical Zone, which recruitment of management and staff, can be from any part of the world and must strictly be based on merit.( Moving all levels of Government and Nigerians from Consumption to Production)(vi) An electronic electoral system that will eliminate physical collation of votes after votes are counted and announced at the polling booths, and the implementation of the Justice Uwais Committee Report.(Making Votes really Count)(vii) Freedom of Religion and No State involvement in religious matters.(viii) Local, State, Zonal and Federal Police (ix) At least, 1/3 of the seats in the Local Council Assembly, State Assembly, and National Assembly MUST be reserved for Women.(x)The Constitution to undergo a comprehensive review after 27 years.4.Sample List of the type of Nigerians that should be fielded for elections to the National Assembly in 2027 to produce a new Nigeria Constitution, if a new Peoples constitution is not in place before then.
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY:
1. Prof Godfrey Igwebuike Onah ( Enugu State)
2. H.M. Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III,CFR, Sultan of Sokoto(Sokoto State)
3. HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, CFR, Obi of Onitsha (Anambra State )
4. Chimamanda Adichie ( Anambra State)
5. Dr. Cosmas Maduka, CON, Founder, Coscharis Group ( Anambra State )
6. His Grace, Most Rev Anthony J. V. Obinna, Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Diocese(1994-2022) ( Imo State )
7. Mr. Ernest Ebi, MFR, former Deputy Governor, CBN (Imo State )
8. Dr. Abraham Nwankwo, former DG, DMO(Imo State)
9. Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi,CFR, Ooni of Ife (Osun State )
10. Mr. Atedo Peterside,CON, Founder, Stanbic-IBTC ( Rivers State )
11. Mr. Ledum Mittee, former President MOSOP (Rivers State )
12. Mr. Rumundaka Wonodi, Founder, ZKJ Energy Partners Ltd ( Rivers State)
13. HRM Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin ( Edo State )
14. Mr. Nuhu Yakubu,Group CEO, Banner Energy Ltd ( Edo State )
15. Mr. Mike Akamere Osime, Founder,ICMG Securities Ltd(Edo State)16. Mallam Suleiman Barau,OON, former Deputy Governor, CBN(Kaduna State)
17. Alhaji Yerima Shettima, President, Arewa Youth Congress ( Kaduna State )
18. Dr. Mattew Husan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto(Kaduna State)
19. Cardinal John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, former President,CAN (FCT)
20. Ambassador Abdulkadir Musa, mni, Retired Federal Permanent Secretary (Jigawa State )
21. Chief Raymond Ihyembe, former GMD, Afribank ( Benue State )
22. Mr. Johnson Chukwu, Founder, Cowrie Asset Management ( Abia State )
23. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Leader, IPOB( Abia State )
24. Chief Darl Uzu, Founder, Enyimba Economic City(Abia State)
25. Mr. Nnanna Anyim Ude ( Ebonyi State) 26. HRM Dr. Emmanuel Sideso, OON, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom ( Delta State )
27. Mr. Austin Avuru, Co-Founder, Seplat Energy( Delta State )
28. Lt. Gen Alexander Ogomudia, CFR (Rtd), former Chief of Defense Staff ( Delta State )
29. Prof Oladapo Afolabi,OON,CFR, former Head of Service ( Oyo State )
30. Chief Sunday Igboho,Akooni Oodua of Yoruba land (Oyo State )
31. Otunba Ganiyu Adams, Aare Onakankanfo of Yoruba Land( Lagos State)
32. Dr.Leke Oshunniyi,President, Kings College Old Boys Association (Lagos State)33. Dr.Ola Brown, Founder, Flying Doctors (Lagos State)
34. Mr. Udeme Ufot,Co-Founder,SO&U(Akwa Ibom State.
35. Rear Admiral F. D. Akpan(Rtd),CEO, Fradan Iquoson Services Ltd ( Akwa Ibom State)
36. King Alfred Diete Spiff, Amanyanabo of Twon Brass(Bayelsa State)
37. Mr. Ken Etete, Founder,Century Group(Bayelsa State)
38. Dr.Bitrus Pogu,President,Middle Belt Forum( Borno State)
39. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi,CON,Khalifa Sanusi II, former Governor Central Bank of Nigeria(Kano State)
40. Engr. Emeka Ene, Founder, Enpower Free Trade Zone,Enugu (Enugu West)
41. Mr. Pat Bassey, Chairman, CLG Securities ( Cross River State )
42. Lois Laraba Machunga, CEO, Jalz Energy Ltd. (Plateau State)
43. Col Dangiwa Umar (Rtd), former Military Governor ( Kebbi State )
44. Chief Afe Babalola,SAN ( Ekiti State )45. Mr. Olisa Agbakoba,SAN ( Anambra State)
46. Mr. Femi Falana,SAN ( Ekiti State)
47. Prof Uchenna Estella Odo (Enugu State)
48. Dr. Basil Onugu (Enugu State)
49. Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN (Enugu State)
50. Dr. Muda Yusuf, immediate past Director General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture. (Kwara State)
51. Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Senior Pastor, Trinity House, Lagos.(Edo State)
52. Ide John Udeagbala, immediate past President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture.
53. His Majesty, King Edward Asimi Williams Dappa Pepple III(JP). Perekule XI, Amanyanabo of Grand Bonny Kingdom ( Rivers State )
54. Dr. Onyeakolam Achilihu ( Abia State )55. Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi, Former GMD, Fidelity Bank Plc ( Imo State )
56. Chief Malachy Nwabuo, Founder, Mario Plastic Ltd ( Imo State )
57. Rev. Ugo Chime, Past President, Real Estate Development Association of Nigeria ( Enugu State )
58. Mrs. Funmi Goka, (Ogun State)
59. Mrs. Bisola Longe, (Oyo State)
60. Alhaji Ismaila Zakare, (Kano State)
61. Otunba Olusola Adekanola mni, (Osun State )
62. Mr. Chris Ubosi ( Anambra State)
63. Ambassador Shuaibu Ahmed.
64. Otunba Yomi Alao, (Oyo State)
65. Mr. Mustapha Chike-Obi ( Anambra State)
66. Olumide Sofowora SAN, (Ogun State)
67. Mr. Femi Ayeni, ( Osun State )
68. Mr. Soji Awogbade (Osun State)
69. Kamar Raji Esq. (Osun State)
70. Chief Lai Labode – (Ogun State)
71. Mrs Alero Ayida-Otobo, CEO, School of Politics Policy & Governance (Delta State )
72. Mrs Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, former Executive Chairman, FIRS( Edo State)73. Engr Peter Bamkole, Chief Operating Officer, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos (Ogun State)
74. Amina Maina, Group COO, MRS Holding ( Borno State )
75. Prof Joy Ezeilo, Member, Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan (Enugu State)
76. Mr. Austin Warikoru, Retired Deputy Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service (Bayelsa State)
77. Chief Agunze Chibeze Ikokwu, Past President, Aka Ikenga (Anambra State)
78. Abdulkadir Ahmed, MD/CEO, NLNG Shipping & Marine Services Ltd
79. Henrietta Onwuegbuzie,Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship,Lagos Business School(LBS) (Delta State)
80. Sheik Sharu Nastura, (Kano State)
81. General Saleh Maina(Rtd), (Borno State)
82. Aminu MK Ahmed,(Kogi State)
83. Rear Admiral Taiwo Odedina (Rtd), CFR (Ogun State)
84. Dr. Okey Anueyiagu, Entrepreneur & Writer( Anambra State )
85. Folarin Falana (Falz), Rapper, Songwriter & Actor ( Lagos State )
86. Okey Bakassi Onyegbule, Comedian & Actor (Imo State )
87. Adetilewa Adebajo, CEO, CFG Advisory (Lagos State)
88. Obi Asika, Creative Industries Entrepreneur(Anambra State)
89. Rahama Sadau, Actress ( Kaduna State)
90. Rufai Oseni, Co-Anchor, Morning Show, Arise News ( Lagos State )
91. Seun Akinbaloye, Presenter, Politics Today, Channels TV ( FCT )
92. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli,MFR, Entrepreneur ( Anambra State )
93. Abdulaziz M. Abdullahi, Retired Federal Permanent Secretary (Katsina State)
94. Prof Ibrahim Garba, Former VC ABU(Kano State)
95. Prof Murtala Sagagi, Kano Business School (Kano State)
96. Prof Ladi Adamu ABU,Zaria (Plateau State)
97. Ambassador Haruna Wakani, Former staff of Ecowas(Borno State)
98. Dr. Stephen Bassey (Cross River State)
99. Dame Ene Ita, Retired Permanent Secretary ( Cross River State )
100. Haggai kaka (FCT)
101. Dr Mahe Dange, fmr MD Nigerian Railway Corporation (Sokoto State)
102. Ambassador Joe Keshi, Retired Federal Permanent Secretary (Delta State)
103. Prof Bola Akinterinwa, former DG, NIIA(Ondo State)
104. Engr. Akinwunmi Odumakinde, Founder, Delta Tek Group (Ondo State)
105. Prof Banji Akintoye, Historian & Writer( Ekiti State )
Dear Compatriots, NESH Foundation calls on all Nigerians to think through and COMMIT to the Birthing of a NEW NIGERIAN CONSTITUTION that will be the foundation for a NEW AND BETTER NIGERIA.
We will very much appreciate your feedback and comments. (07014441111)
Happy New Year, Nigerians & Peace to the World 🌎 ( NESH Foundation is a not for profit organization founded 7 years ago to Promote, Support, and Celebrate Nigerian Entrepreneurs. We are advocating for an enabling political and economic environment for Nigerian Entrepreneurs.)
