JUST IN: Southern Govs’ Resolution, Ozekhome Opposes Call for Constitutional Conference, Gives Reasons
De Erudite Communications
May 13, 2021
Despite the massive commendations given to the governors resolution in the meeting, a human rights lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, has faulted the call by 17 southern governors for a constitutional conference.
Recall that the governors in a meeting held on Tuesday, 11th May, 2021 were in a communque demanded among others, a National Conference, which according to them, would straighten knotty problems confronting the country.
De Erudite Media Team learnt that the resolution, which continuously, the governors are extolled for as one of such a promising stance in a time of instability and unrest in Nigeria, has unabatedly attracted mixed reactions from all and sundry.
According to Punch, Mike Ozekhome, SAN who spoke in Anambra State on Thursday, as a keynote speaker at the 25th Law week of the Awka branch of Nigerian Bar Association, described the governors’ suggestion as unnecessary.
Meanwhile, speaking on the topic ‘Legal profession in a lawless society,’ Ozekhome said the call for a new conference was not necessary, especially considering that the recommendations of the one held in 2014 had not been implemented.
He said, “I was at the 2014 national conference headed by late Justice Idris Kutigi. The over 200 recommendation we made at that conference was yet to be touched.
“The recommendations of the conference that consisted of 492 Nigerians, drawn from all strata, has never been touched by this government, even with a 10-foot pole.
So, when I heard the 17 Southern governors talking about another conference, I knew they meant well for the country, but we do not need another dialogue.
“Let them go to the 2014 recommendations, they will see that we recommended state police, we recommended part-time legislature.
The constitution made the sitting of members of the national assembly six months, but they are receiving fat salaries.
“What are we doing with 306 House of Representatives members? What are we doing with 109 senators, what are we doing with them? Why not make it a unicameral legislature or part-time so that those who are genuinely interested can come and serve the nation, sit and go. We can’t grow like this.”