Southern, Middle Belt Youths Demand New Constitution

Southern and Middle Belt Youths Coalition has called on the federal government and the National Assembly to halt the ongoing constitution review, insisting that Nigeria requires a brand-new constitution instead of repeated amendments.

In a joint statement signed by its national leaders, including the national coordinator, Comrade Prince Okenwa Okpara (national publicity secretary, Afenifere), Barr. Dele Farotimi, (national youth leader, PANDEF), Engr. Ben Don (national youth leader, Middle Belt Forum), Comrade Emmanuel Zopmal (immediate past national youth leader, Ohaneze Ndigbo) and Mazi Okpalaukwu, the coalition described the amendment process as “patchy-patchy” and incapable of addressing Nigeria’s structural challenges.

They argued that only a new constitution can adequately reflect the nation’s diversity and guarantee equity, justice, fairness, and socio-political balance.

The coalition commended former Commonwealth secretary-general Chief Emeka Anyaoku for his “patriotic resilience” in championing genuine reforms. It aligned with voices such as former education minister Dr Oby Ezekwesili, who has repeatedly criticised constitutional amendments as wasteful.

According to the group, “Nigeria has spent over N15.9 billion on constitutional amendments since 2006, with little to show for it. The current effort is another wasteful venture that cannot guarantee the future of our country as an indivisible and progressive nation.”

They identified key defects in the 1999 Constitution, including over-concentration of powers at the federal level, the immunity clause shielding top office holders, lack of financial autonomy for the judiciary, and persistent interference in local government administration.

The coalition maintained that the solution lies in drafting a new, people-driven constitution that devolves more powers to states and local governments, strengthens checks and balances, guarantees judicial and local government autonomy, protects ethnic rights, and incorporates recommendations of the 2014 National Conference.

“The current constitution was skewed to favour a particular region at the expense of others. Nigeria is tired of patchwork solutions. A new constitution is urgently needed to save the country from collapse and restore hope for fairness, justice, and good governance,” the statement read.

Other signatories to the statement include national women leader, Mrs Monique Ogon, national deputy women leader, Mrs Mary Murtle, chairman, BOT, Pastor John Dara, vice chairman, BOT, Barr. Hassan Oladotun, South West Zonal coordinator, Chief Oladimeji Samson, South South zonal coordinator, Comrade Sane Darah JP, South East zonal coordinator, Hon. Sylvester Iboko and Middle Belt zonal coordinator, Comrade Nasiru Jagaba.