Utomi: Flaws in constitution responsible for some of Nigeria’s challenges

Prof. Pat Utomi has said flaws in the nation’s constitution are responsible for some of its challenges.

Utomi, who is chairman of the Nigeria Political Summit Group and the National Consultative Front (NCFront), said this at a press conference on Tuesday.

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He said arrangements had been concluded for a multi-stakeholder National Constitution Reform Dialogue, on May 12.

Utomi said the forthcoming confab on the Constitutional Future of Nigeria scheduled for Abuja would involve eminent ethnic nationalities, religious leaders, political parties and the government.

“Our country needs a path to go forward. We think at this time that reasonable people should know that we need something fresh that can strengthen us.

“The journey to this dialogue began more than two years ago when we convened a dialogue to heal the wounds of Nigeria, and invited seventy accomplished elder statesmen.

“In 2021, we set up a committee to go to work on drafting a new constitution to place in the public arena for debate.

“With leadership from Olisa Agbakoba, Hakeem Baba Ahmed, and Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, we have hoped to provide a chance for more growth for the nation.”

According to him, those warming up for the 2023 general elections do not seem to have their hands wrapped around the issues of how Nigerians can continue to live together in a way that advances the common good.

Utomi said the challenge now was to stimulate rational public conversation by stakeholders on the issues that affect the future of the country. (NAN)