Nigeria@64: We Must Address Challenges Hindering Prosperity – Senate Leader

As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence anniversary, Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central, has urged Nigerians to set aside issues that divide the country and focus on unity.

In his Independence Day message issued from Abuja on Monday, Bamidele expressed concern over the deep-rooted ethnic distrust in the country.

He called on Nigerians, particularly the elite, to prioritize national unity over divisive tendencies.

“After 64 years of political independence and 110 years of corporate existence, it now rests upon us all to focus our energy and intellect on what majorly unites us as a federation rather than what will further divide us along our ethno-political and religious fault lines.

“At this trying time, we must be deliberate to decisively address what easily divides us and heat up our polity in order to build a resilient federation that works for all. It is important for all leaders, political or socio-cultural, religious or traditional, community or professional, to close ranks and come up with consensus on how to end heinous challenges undermining our collective prosperity, national harmony, and political stability,” Bamidele urged.

On the ongoing constitutional review, Bamidele reassured Nigerians that their concerns about the current political system would be addressed.

He confirmed that the Parliament had received numerous proposals aimed at reforming the nation’s governance structure.

According to a statement from the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, the key issues being reviewed include the establishment of state police, the introduction of diaspora voting, and financial independence for local governments.

Bamidele highlighted the collaborative nature of the constitutional review process, which requires input from both federal and state legislatures as well as diverse stakeholders.

The statement further reads in part: “There is no better time to review our federal governance structure than now with a view to creating a federation that is more efficient, functional, and responsive.

“We have already received 37 fresh memoranda from different interests nationwide. We are also revisiting 16 constitutional amendment bills inherited from the Ninth National Assembly. Before public hearings on the constitution review take off in January 2025, we are open to more memoranda from all interests.

“Among others, we have received memoranda on the need to establish state police; adopt diaspora voting; entrench financial autonomy for local government councils; deepen independence of the judiciary; provide special seats for women in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly; and create the National Council of Traditional Rulers. More memoranda are welcome.

“The process for the review of the 1999 Constitution is unambiguous as enshrined in Section 9(2)(3). It is a collective approach that requires the input of not only the federal and state legislatures but also the contributions of all interests across the federation. As we proceed with the review, we promise not to leave any interest behind in the task of forging a new path for our beloved fatherland. And Nigeria shall be better for it.”