Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implement the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference, emphasizing that doing so would honor elder statesmen like Chief Edwin Clark and Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who were instrumental in the conference's success.
Chief George, who was a delegate at the 2014 conference, highlighted that the report addresses critical national issues such as state policing, devolution of powers, and resource control. He argued that revisiting this comprehensive document would be more efficient than initiating a new constitutional drafting process, which could be time-consuming and redundant.
The 2014 National Conference, convened during President Goodluck Jonathan's administration, produced over 600 resolutions aimed at restructuring Nigeria and promoting true federalism. These resolutions were agreed upon by a significant majority of the delegates, reflecting a broad consensus across various regions and ethnic groups.
Elder statesmen like Chief Edwin Clark have consistently advocated for the implementation of the conference's recommendations. Clark has emphasized that adopting the report would help address longstanding issues of marginalization and promote national unity . Similarly, Pa Ayo Adebanjo has warned that Nigeria's progress is contingent upon embracing the principles outlined in the 2014 report.
Chief George also pointed out that the current 1999 Constitution, a legacy of military rule, does not adequately reflect the aspirations of a democratic Nigeria. He believes that implementing the 2014 conference recommendations would lay the foundation for a more equitable and functional federal system.
In addition to constitutional reforms, Chief George has urged President Tinubu to consult with former military leaders and security experts to address the nation's security challenges. He advocates for the establishment of state police forces, which he believes would enhance local security and governance.
The call for implementing the 2014 National Conference report has garnered support from various quarters, including the Council of Yoruba Elders (CYE), which sees the report as a blueprint for restructuring Nigeria and addressing its myriad challenges.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of insecurity, economic instability, and calls for restructuring, the implementation of the 2014 National Conference recommendations is increasingly viewed as a viable pathway to national cohesion and development.
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