Anyaoku Calls For New Constitution, Says Nigeria’s Diversity Will Become Asset

Former Secretary of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has called for a new constitution for the country to witness development as it was in the very early sixties, even as he expressed the belief that Nigeria’s diversity will become an asset and not a liability to the country if properly managed.

The elder statesman spoke yesterday in Ado Ekiti while delivering the 11th convocation lecture of Afe Babalola University, Ado- Ekiti, (ABUAD) titled: “Management of Diversity: A Major Challenge To Governance In Pluralistic Countries”.

Anyaoku noted that Nigeria’s diversity was more successfully managed in the early years of the country’s independence before the interventions of the military in 1966 which enthrone a unitary government in a pluralistic country like Nigeria.

Stating that he believed that the theme is very relevant to the current situation in Nigeria, Anyaoku said”  that killed the political will to effect real change . As long as we have the present constitution we shall continue to launder around without meaning progress and development”

In the government we had before 1966,  he said, “Nigeria’s diversity was perceived by all as a source of strength and inspirer of national unity

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“There were no inter-regional tensions, and in the perception and conduct of its citizens the country had begun to evolve into a nation that was credibly aspiring to realize its huge potential. But all this changed when the military intervened in the country’s governance in January 1966 and changed the existing constitution.

“Under the Constitution of fewer and more viable federating units that we had before the military intervention, there was security of lives and property, and there was a faster pace of economic development in the regions.

“During that halcyon period, the regional premiers and federal government officers were utilizing their limited resources more efficiently and effectively. Revenues from cocoa produce were used by the Premier Chief Obafemi Awolowo for landmark projects and programmes including free education in the Western region. Revenues from palm produce were utilized by Premier Dr Michael Okpara to build industries, finance education and develop agriculture in the Eastern region. In the Midwest region, Premier Chief Denis Osadebay expanded the region’s economy with revenues from rubber, timber, and palm produce. And in the Northern region, the Premier Sir Ahmadu Bello used money from the region’s groundnut pyramids, hides and skin and cotton exports to build industries in Kano, Kaduna, and elsewhere.’’

In his address, the founder of ABUAD, Aare Afe Babalola said he was happy to have Anyaoku as a colleague apostle after 30 years of appealing to the federal government for a new constitution.

“It is our constitution that has made politics a lucrative business for our people, not the law. Politics is for service not for money making or business. I still believe Nigeria can make it. A new set of committed leaders are being nurtured for the country here at ABUAD”.