A new Nigeria can only be born with a new Constitution, according to the Primate of Anglican Communion in Nigeria, Most Revd. Henry Ndukuba.
At the just-concluded 14th General Synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) at St Mark’s Anglican Church, Nnewichi, Anambra State, Ndukuba, who is also the Archbishop Metropolitan, said: “We need a new Constitution that would reinforce true federalism, granting states more powers to address local challenges and drive development initiatives.
“To address the pressing issues and lay a solid foundation for a stronger future, Nigeria must embark on the arduous but essential task of crafting a new Constitution that reflects the aspirations and values of all people and culture”.
He further said: “One is convinced that what we need is a totally new Constitution made by a sovereign representation of the ethnic nationalities of this country”.
The cleric said that this new Constitution must “reflect the nation’s identity and diversity and be a unifying force that recognises and protect our diversity”.
He noted that Nigeria “is a diverse and dynamic nation and has seen significant progress over the years. But it also faces numerous challenges stressing that: “the current constitution has limitations that hinder the nation’s growth and stability”.
He said that what Nigeria needed now “is a new Constitution as the foundation for a stronger future”.
Ndukuba also warned the Federal Government against involving the country in any military intervention in Niger Republic.
He said : “(Niger) s an extension of North Western Nigeria because historically, a good part of Niger is under the Sokoto Caliphate”.
He warned that any military intervention that country would stir the feelings and emotions of Muslims, which would aggravate the already bad security situation in Nigeria.
The Primate Ndukuba said that military interventions in West and Central African countries were a cause of concern, saying, however, that diplomatic solution and negotiated settlement should be deployed to solve the political impasse in Niger.
“Our government must not allow the United States of America as well as European Union to use Nigeria to do their dirty job in Niger”, he said.
He advised Nigeria to negotiate to be a member of BRICS, the emerging new economic bloc made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, explaining: “This may be a good alternative to the dominance of America, UK and Europe. But more so, it will open new economic frontiers for Nigeria and ensure our non- aligned posture as a country”.
