Christian Cleric advocates inclusive constitution to end secessionists’ agitations

The National Publicity Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, Bishop Emma Isong says a new and inclusive Nigerian constitution is important to end all forms of secessionists’ agitations across the country.

The Bishop who is also and founder of the Christian Central Chapel International made the remark during a chat with newsmen in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, south-south Nigeria.

He decried the growing secessionists’ agitations in Nigeria and proposed a critical review of the 1999 constitution that would address several issues bedevilling the nation and enhance equity.

“Some Nigerians know that the root cause of the challenges is linked to the current constitution as it is. When our president or governors are being sworn in, if you observe, they use the holy books rather than the constitution. To me, it shows that there is something wrong with the constitution.”

According to the cleric, the last time Nigeria had a semblance of a workable constitution was in 1963, stating that it was important for the country to have a document, which would accommodate its peoples of diverse religions, culture, ethnicity and tribe.

“We are working on an assumed constitution. The Federal Republic of Nigeria is a secular nation. Some parts of this country like Calabar use canon law and Kano using Sharia law. There has not been a central review. So, let us sit down and review the constitution to get something close to the national confab document of former President Goodluck Jonathan’s era,” said Isong.

He reiterated that the review of the constitution would enhance balance in the regions, which would result to an end of all agitations, stating “If there was constitutional review, there would be no agitation for secession by indigenous people of any region. If there was a constitutional balance in this country there will be none of that because the constitution would be our guide.”

The PFN publicist urged the national assembly not to dismiss the need for the review of the constitution, noting “It was even a crack in the constitution that made Cross River State to lose its 76 oil wells to a neighbouring state. We have credible lawyers, who have accepted that the problem we have as a nation is the constitution. In fact that is my idea of restructuring. We can just allow the rights of individuals to be highlighted so that one religion or tribe is not superior to the other.

“Right now we are even ruled by some decrees that were promulgated during the military era. I hope you know that most of the agencies we are enjoying now were created by decrees and they have not been amended. So, it is important for us as Nigerians to protect our democracy,” he added.

PIAK