Former Foreign Affairs Minister, Major-General Ike Nwachukwu (retd), has expressed great displeasure over the continuous use of the 1999 Constitution to govern Nigeria, saying that the Constitution is not benefiting the generality of Nigerians.

He called for a new constitution that would accommodate emerging issues of good governance for the greater interest of all Nigerians.

He raised this concern in Lagos at the 24th Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture, themed: “The Nigeria of our dream: Today’s reality and a responsible Pathfinder.”

According to him, 1999 Constitution is not working as it is heavily slowing down Nigeria progress despite various amendments it has undergone over years.

“So, what we need now as a country is a genuinely negotiated constitution that will reflect the aspirations of our diverse ethnic nationalities, just as our forefathers negotiated and agreed upon at independence and in the immediate post-independence,” he explained.

The elder statesman, who chaired the event, also noted that aside a new constitution, Nigeria equally needs true federalism that will allow states to have control over their resources and develop at their own space in accordance with their priorities.

He observed that every state in the country is blessed with abundant resources and to grant them full autonomy over usage would unleash innovation and bring about healthy rivalry and as well reduce their dependence on the Federal Government.

Additionally, he said, “It is important that Nigerians regardless of where they come from is allowed to choose where to live and work within Nigerian borders without discrimination as to who occupies a particular position, especially in political governance and so forth.

He said all these would easily take Nigeria out of its protracted socio-economic and political crisis and become a country of our collective dream.

Nwachukwu, however, congratulated Bishop Mike Okonkwo, the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) on who the annual lecture was organized as part of activities to commemorate his 80th birthday anniversary.

Delivering a keynote address at the event, former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, emphasised the importance of church to the development of any nation including Nigeria.

He said the church, which he described as a body of Christ across denominations has a great role to play to bring about prosperity to Nigeria as it had done for European and American countries.

He said people should know that according to the Bible, only Christians who follow the principle of Jesus Christ would be held accountable for the destiny of a nation and neither the politicians nor the businessmen.

Osinbajo, who was a guest speaker, pointed out that it is only when the true gospel of Jesus Christ is faithfully preached, that nations would be transformed, societies would be renewed, and economies would be built on righteousness, hard work, and justice.

“But when the message of Christ is replaced with the pursuit of wealth and self, the wrathful will spread like a plague through the land,” he added.

Osinbajo made reference to European and American countries as places where church influenced positive change leading to their greatness.

“So, if we sincerely return to Godly practice in whatever we do in business, law, politics, and so forth, the same power that turned Europe from corruption to independence, that laid the foundation of liberty and justice in America, that inspired the rise of modern-day France and Asia, will work in Nigeria also. “

Osinbajo, however, eulogized Bishop Okonkwo for his contribution to national development and humanity, congratulating and wishing him many more years.

Expressing appreciation to all eminent personalities including the representative of President Bola Tinubu, Bishop Stephen Adegbite; former Minister of Finance, Idika Kalu Idika, as well as his wife, Bishop Peace Okonkwo and other attendees, Bishop Okonkwo said the annual lecture was designed as a platform for national discuss that could bring a positive change to Nigeria.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria would become great again, urging every Nigerian to play their own part to bring the dream into a reality. (Nigerian Tribune)