Democracy Day: Afenifere Leader Urges Return to 1963 Constitution
Democracy Day: Afenifere Leader Urges Return to 1963 Constitution
Pa Reuben Fasoranti, the National Leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, has called on Nigeria’s leaders and citizens to revisit the core principles of federalism embedded in the 1963 Constitution, describing it as the blueprint for national unity and sustainable development.
In a statement issued on Wednesday to mark Democracy Day (June 12), Fasoranti advocated for a return to the 1963 Republican Constitution, which he said offers a genuine framework for federalism, one that grants Nigeria’s diverse regions the autonomy needed to thrive within a united nation.
To ensure an enduring framework for unity and progress in the country, federalism enables the constituent parts of the country to exercise some level of autonomy or self-determination as obtained in the First Republic,” he said.
He described the present system as over-centralised and inadequate for Nigeria’s complex needs, arguing that true federalism would encourage balanced development and reduce regional tensions.
Fasoranti continued by hailing the milestone of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999 but emphasised the need for structural reforms to deepen democratic practice in Nigeria.
The elder statesman acknowledged the sacrifices made by pro-democracy groups that fought for the restoration of civil governance.
He said,”Without doubt, the sustained and uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999 is a product of the sacrifices and commitment of our heroes and heroines in the civil society groups, and other well-meaning compatriots, who, along with Afenifere, coalesced into the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, to constitute the vanguard of progressive forces that ensured the restoration of democracy and the birth of the Fourth Republic.”
Pa Reuben Fasoranti expressed optimism about the continued strength of progressive movements in Nigeria, stating his belief that the spirit of progressivism will remain a driving force in upholding and advancing democratic values across the nation.
Addressing the persistent issue of insecurity, Fasoranti lamented that despite various efforts, Nigeria remains under constant threat from violent non-state actors. As a solution, he proposed the urgent establishment of State Police and Community Policing as practical measures to tackle the growing insecurity.
“We in Afenifere share the belief of many patriotic Nigerians that the creation of State Police and the identification of internal collaborators offer the most effective solution to the security crisis, which has made life and travel in parts of the country increasingly dangerous,” he said.
“I therefore take this opportunity to urge both federal and state governments to prioritise the establishment of State Police and a functional Community Policing system.”
Fasoranti concluded by urging Nigerians to reflect on the true essence of June 12, calling for unity and a collective commitment to a greater national vision beyond ethnic and political divides.
