Organisation calls for review of Federal Character Principle

Fri, Aug 2, 2019
By publisher
3 MIN READ

General News

The School of Governance and Politics (SOGP), an NGO, has called for the review of Federal Character Principle to strengthen a shared identity among Nigerians.

The faith based NGO made the call in communiqué issued after a day seminar with the theme: “Towards a National Identity” organised by the school in Abuja on Friday.

The communiqué was read by the Convener of SOGP, Apostle Obii Pax-Harry.

The organisation noted that there was a need to re-examine the application of the principle to meet the current realities as it might have “outlived its usefulness’’.

It said that the application of the current federal character was affecting the nation and its unity.

The organisation also called for the strengthening of federalism by devolving power to the federating units to allow for proper administration of the nation’s wealth and resources.

SOGP noted that federalism as being practiced in Nigeria was weakening the fabric of national unity, thereby, raising the question as to whether it was working for or against national identity.

It decried how most crises in the nation were attributed to religious conflict when they seemed to be motivated by political economy.

It stressed the need for justice and fairness to be paramount in order to attain a collective national identity.

The organisation also called for a national conversation to generate consensus on national issues including indigene-settler dichotomy that should not exist.

“Sound strategic planning is required to ensure that appropriately mechanisms are in place and once put into focus, viable solution can be arrived at for holistic socioeconomic development of the country.

“There is also need for inclusive governance across board, unity of purpose for development, and strong national cohesion among all the ethnic nationalities in the country.’’

It urged Nigerians to be actively involved in nation building, lend their voices and stand for justice, fairness and equity until they see the emergence of Nigeria of their dreams.

SOGP also advised the youth to harness the opportunities in social media, towards addressing societal malaise and use it to foster healthy national discourse.

Some of the participants at the event, according to the communiqué were Prof. Jerry Gana, former Minister of Information, as keynote speaker.

Mr Ibrahim Hassan, former member of Bauchi State House of Assembly; Ms. Benedicta Kato, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Middle Belt Forum; and Chief Agu Ojukwu, former Chief Economic Adviser to Abia State Government as panelists.  (NAN)

_AUG 02, 2019 @17:54 GMT |

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