"Ezekwesili Criticizes National Assembly's Constitutional Amendment Attempt as an Unjustified Use of Public Funds"
In a speech delivered in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital on Thursday, former Minister of Education Obiageli Ezekwesili expressed her strong opposition to the ongoing constitutional amendment process in Nigeria. She labelled the process a "charade" and a "sheer waste of resources."
Ezekwesili argued that the amendment would not address the fundamental imbalances and inequalities in the country. She believes the National Assembly's approach offers little to no real reorganization toward true federalism. Instead, she advocates for a completely new constitution that prioritizes the devolution of powers, justice, equity, and fairness across all ethnic groups and regions of Nigeria.
The new constitution, according to Ezekwesili, is vital to effectively resolve Nigeria's systemic issues and ensure fairness and unity. She emphasised the need for political and fiscal federalism reforms as fundamental solutions, suggesting that devolving fiscal powers and resources to states could address economic imbalances, foster accountability, and promote equitable development across the federation.
Ezekwesili also criticised today's politics for being hijacked and turned into a criminal enterprise. She urged Nigerians to stand against political rascals pretending to be their leaders. She considered the demands for a new constitution as a matter of life and death.
In addition, Ezekwesili has endorsed Aisha Yesufu's #NotMyNationalAnthem campaign, showing her commitment to advocating for change in various aspects of Nigerian society. She also believes that good governance is not mysterious and can be replicated in the country.
However, Ezekwesili has not commented on any specific incidents of stampedes in Ibadan, Abuja, or Anambra, nor has she made any direct comments about the Tinubu-led government's intimidation tactics amid economic hardship. She has also not revealed any specific message she wants the government leaders to hear.
Despite the lack of new information about the ongoing constitutional amendment or Ezekwesili's stance on it, her call for a new, inclusive constitution coupled with genuine federal restructuring highlights her belief that this path is the only way to solve Nigeria’s political and economic challenges.
Tinubu, as a leader in Nigeria, may find Ezekwesili's advocacy for a new constitution and federal restructuring among the general news of political interest. The Senate should take heed of her suggestions for devolution of powers, justice, equity, and fairness across all regions of Nigeria. Ezekwesili's endorsement of the #NotMyNationalAnthem campaign reflects her commitment to policy-and-legislation changes in various aspects of Nigerian society, including Naija's election processes. However, her stance on the ongoing constitutional amendment process remains unclarified, as she has not made any direct comments about it or related issues in Abuja, such as Tinubu-led government's intimidation tactics amid economic hardship.
