In response to the call by National Assembly for memoranda on the review of the 1999 Constitution, the TriAfrica Empowerment Foundation, also known as the Africa Leadership Group (ALG) has called for a federal structure and power devolution that will “reevaluate the distribution of powers between the federal and state governments” saying that “decentralization is key to empowering local Communities and ensuring efficient service delivery.”
In a press release made available to journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, the group, led by Pastor Ituah Ighodalo also emphasized the need for a “public revenue fiscal federation and revenue allocation that will benefit all Nigerians regardless of their geographical location, ethnicity, political and religious affiliation.”
According to the group, “today, we stand at the crossroads of our nation’s destiny, and it is incumbent upon us to revisit the bedrock of our democracy; The Nigerian constitution of 1999 as amended. This sacred document embodies our collective aspirations, rights, and responsibilities, requires critical examination and thoughtful enhancement.
“Our great nation Nigeria with its rich diversity of cultures languages and traditions deserves a constitution that reflects the will of the people, a constitution that transcends mere words and becomes a beacon of hope for generations to come.”
The group equally called for “electoral reforms that will fortified the nation’s electoral process, adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC needs strengthening to guarantee transparent credible free and fair poll”
On gender and marginalization, the group maintained that the country must commit to promote gender equality at all levels of government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations, and protecting the rights of marginalized communities.
Their voices, it said, deserve amplification within our constitutional framework.
“Honorable chairman esteemed members of the House of Representatives, we call upon you to rise to the occasion. The cries of Nigerians echoes across borders urging us to forge a constitution that transcends politics, a constitution that binds us in purpose and propels us to build a better and a brighter Nigeria,” Ighodalo said.