The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has urged the National Assembly to stop the ongoing amendment of the 1999 constitution.
The body advised the lawmakers to stop the claim that the people drafted the constitution “whereas it was a document imposed on Nigerians by a military junta”.
A statement on Thursday by the group’s Secretary-General, Willy Ezugwu, said the feelers across the country are that the document is irredeemable and cannot be amended to meet citizens’ aspirations.
Ezugwu told the legislature to align with the majority of Nigerians who favour a new constitution, “rather than fruitless amendments that have not brought about any meaningful national growth”.
He said the document is flawed beyond alteration and that the nation either needs to adopt the 1963 constitution or draft a new one.
The scribe noted that to make the Nigerian constitution a people’s law, it must be subjected to a referendum.
Ezugwu recalled that House Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila recently admitted that the 1999 constitution is deficient and has failed to address some critical issues.
“It has become almost unanimous that Nigeria needs a workable document, a better constitution that will meet the aspirations of the people.”
CNPP described the ongoing adjustment amendment process as a jamboree, a money-making exercise and an effort in futility.
“The ugly reality is that at the end of the amendment, the document will now be at the mercy of our State Houses of Assembly for survival or not.
“Even if it survives and scales through legislative processes at no fewer than 24 State Assemblies, it will then die or survive at the presidential villa.
“If the cabals fail to favour the amendments, the President won’t sign as we have seen vital bills passed by the National Assembly killed at the presidency”, Ezugwu lamented.
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