Society Gists

The call for the implementation of the 2014 National Conference document has once again taken centre stage as the senator representing Ogun East District at the National Assembly, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has thrown his weight behind it.

Recall that the 2014 National Conference, convened under the leadership of former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, assembled 492 delegates in Abuja to deliberate on constitutional reforms. This assembly, representing diverse segments of Nigerian society, including professional body groups, embarked on the monumental task of crafting a new constitution for the nation.

Senator Daniel reaffirmed his commitment to this cause during the National Constitutional Dialogue, hosted by The Patriots in honour of the late legal luminary, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, SAN, NNOM, CON.

The event, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos, attracted eminent dignitaries from across Nigeria, marking a pivotal moment in the discourse on constitutional reform.

The senator, while reacting to a statement attributed to the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed his total support for the need to review the Nigerian Constitution as he cannot wait for people in Abuja to improve the lives of Lagos State residents, voiced his commendation for the governor’s bold stance.

“The first thing I want to do is commend the governor of Lagos State for his position on the need for constitutional review.

“Many of us here know that I’ve had the privilege of interacting with many of the people who have had cause to superintend over this country. And, as somebody said, many of them, before getting to power, say the right things. And you’d think that when and if they get there, things will happen. But somehow, it’s just as if there is something in Aso Rock, or probably because they feel, ‘How can I sit over this and dismantle it?’

“This has been our greatest challenge, and that is why I’m especially commending the governor for being bold,” the former governor of Ogun State remarked.

The senator then advocated for legislative intervention to catalyse the implementation process, emphasising the importance of prudent resource allocation.

“We can go and enact a law. And if we enact a law and ask that the process of 2014 be activated, then we have a new constitution without wasting money, efforts, and time,” Otunba Daniel said.

The event attracted a distinguished array of attendees, including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Sen. Aminu Tanbuwal, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Donald Duke, Chief Olabode George, and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi.

Others were Chief James Ibori, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd), Prof. Anya O. Anya, Chief Mike A.A. Ozhekhome, Obong Victor Attah, Pa. Ayo Adebanjo.

Otunba Segun Sowunmi, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, Dr. Tunji Abayomi, Barr. Chief Taiwo Adeoluwa, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Elder Solomon Asemwota, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, Akogun Kola Onadipe, Alh. Yerima Shettima, and several other respected figures from various sectors were also present.