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By Chinelo Obogo
Former Commonwealth Secretary General, Emeka Anyaoku and Publisher of Vanguard Newspaper, Sam Amuka-Pemu, have renewed calls for a review of the constitution that would herald true federalism.
They said the restoration of federalism would foster unity in diversity and prevent disintegration.
They spoke at the presentation of the book: ‘The Gun Hegemony,’ written by the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) National Secretary, Ayo Opadokun, at the Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos. The book was reviewed by Sam Omatseye, a journalist who was represented by a Lagos State University Political Science lecturer, Prof. Odion Akhaine.
President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, described Opadokun as a statesman held in high esteem due to his commitment to democracy and good governance.
Lauding the author’s contributions to the pro-democracy movement’s activities, which culminated into the restoration of civil rule in 1999, Anyaoku said Opadokun has raised questions about the relevance of military regimes.
He said military rule wiped out the healthy competition and development recorded by the four premiers of the North, East, West and Midwest, who developed their regions with their resources, including groundnut, palm produce, cocoa and rubber.
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Emphasising the importance of true federalism being canvassed by The Patriots, Anyaoku said this would avert disintegration.
Amuka-Pemu lamented that the gun hegemony is still directing and affecting national life, adding that it is also influential on the world order underscored by the arrest of another president by a president who behaves as the president-general of the universe.
He said true federalism gave way after the military coup of 1966, which abolished the regions.
“There is a need to continue the agitation for another constitution for Nigeria, if we want to be considered as a federation,” he said.
Bishop of the Catholic Church, Sokoto Diocese, Rev. Mathew Kukah, stated that the machine gun has changed the face of world history, adding that it is a factor in the colonisation of Africa.
He recalled that soldiers seized power through the barrel of guns and also proceeded to legitimise violence. He urged those in elected public office should compensate the country with good governance.
Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Pedro, hailed Opadokun, saying:”Your dedication shows and the governor is proud of your contribution, which a testament to your sense of history and perseverance during the period of military dictatorship.”
