As part of its contributions to support the government, the Christian Elders Forum (CEF) has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chief Justice of the Federation to focus attention on areas that would halt the downward spiral of the country.
In a communiqué issued after its July 12 meeting and signed by the chairman, Dr Samuel Danjuma Gani, and secretary, Pastor Bosun Emmanuel, along with other national officers, the forum advised the government to focus attention on four critical areas to stem the tide of downward spiral of the country.
The areas include the imperative of a new constitution for Nigeria, credible fight against corruption, independence of the judiciary and restoration of judicial integrity and averting the proposed national protest planned for August 2024, which they said, if not checked, might result in an implosion in the nearest future.
On the need for a new constitution, the group said: “At various times, and with varying degrees of intensity, many impartial and credible citizens have identified the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as a major impediment to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nigeria.
“There have been series of calls, at different fora, for Nigeria to adopt a credible constitution that would be developed by the people. The authorship of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) has been a subject of controversy in the past 25 years.
“The challenge facing government has been how to develop a new constitution. While many voices agree that Nigeria requires a new constitution, there is yet to be a consensus on how it should be done. Consequently, many proposals have come forth, one of which is the perennial amendment by the National Assembly.
“Unfortunately, that process has not provided the required solution after six amendment exercises by various legislative assemblies. In addition, the efforts of the National Assembly have been condemned that the responsibility of the legislators is to make laws and not to give the country a constitution. The task of producing a constitution is the responsibility of the ethnic nationalities.
“National Christian Elders Forum proposes that in view of the urgency to jump-start the economy and guarantee safety and prosperity for the citizens, government should adopt the draft Constitution of the 2014 National Conference.”