ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – The agitation for the amendment of the 1963 Republican Constitution, yesterday, heightened as the convener of the Middle Belt People, James Pam, has argued that it would restructure the country.
Pam, at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, said the 1963 Constitution was the first and last constitution negotiated by Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities and passed into law by a democratically elected parliament.
He argued that all subsequent constitutions were imposed by military decrees, which is why Nigeria has been ruled by military fiat since 1966.
“The 1963 Constitution was the product of negotiation and consensus among Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities. It recognized the diversity of our country and provided for a federal system that allowed regions to develop at their own pace.
“We believe that returning to this constitution, with some modifications to reflect contemporary realities, is the best way to address the challenges facing our country, “Pam said.
Pam highlighted the benefits of the 1963 Constitution, including its recognition of only two tiers of government, which allowed regions to write their constitutions, own and exploit their natural resources, and develop at their own pace.
He also noted that the constitution provided for regional police, which would help address the current security challenges facing the country.
According to him, the Middle Belt groups are proposing a return to the 1963 Constitution, with some modifications to reflect contemporary realities. They suggest replacing the four regions of 1963 with the current 36 states, which would assume the status and powers of regions.
He proposed an update of the constitution to reflect the presidential system, replacing the parliamentary system, and designating Abuja as the federal capital territory.
Pam emphasised that the current system had failed Nigerians, citing the bloated federal government, inability to deliver basic services, and economic stagnation. He argued that a return to true federalism, as enshrined in the 1963 Constitution is the way forward.
“The current system has failed us. We have a bloated federal government that is unable to deliver basic services to citizens. Our regions are powerless to address the challenges facing them, and our economy is suffering as a result. We believe that a return to true federalism will address these injustices and provide a brighter future for our people.
“The Middle Belt has been marginalized for too long. We have been denied our rightful place in the Nigerian federation, and our people are suffering as a result. We believe that a return to true federalism will address these injustices and provide a brighter future for our people.”
He also addressed the issue of the 2014 National Conference resolutions, which he said has remained unimplemented due to lack of legal status.
“We believe that this is the only way to save Nigeria from collapse.”We are willing to work with anyone who shares our vision for a better Nigeria. We urge all Nigerians to join us in this struggle for a brighter future.
“We cannot continue to drift as a nation. We need to take bold steps to address our challenges and provide a brighter future for our people. We believe that a return to true federalism, as enshrined in the 1963 Constitution, is the way forward,” he said.
