Delta Hosts South-South Pre-National Summit on Constitutional Reforms, Calls for Return to True Federalism”
By Wilson Macaulay
Effurun, Delta State
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The South-South Advocacy and Mobilisation Committee under the umbrella of The Eminent Patriots held its Delta State Pre-National Summit on Constitutional Reforms at the prestigious Monarchy Centre, Effurun, drawing participants from across sectors in what has been described as a landmark gathering for Nigeria’s democratic restructuring.
The summit, which commenced at 10:00 a.m., brought together traditional rulers, legal luminaries, youth leaders, clerics, women organizations, persons with disabilities, security operatives, and civil society stakeholders. A major highlight was the adoption of a unanimous resolution urging the comprehensive review of the 1999 Constitution, describing it as “flawed and unfit for the complexities of a modern federal state.”
Participants advocated for a return to the ideals and structure of the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions, which, they argued, provided a more effective template for true federalism, regional autonomy, and national unity.
Legal Consultant and Summit Moderator, Dr. Akpo Mudiaga Odje, renowned constitutional lawyer in his closing remarks, emphasized that constitutional reform is no longer a matter of convenience but of urgent necessity. “This is the voice of the people. We must restructure Nigeria to prevent future implosions,” he stated.
Continuing, Dr. Akpo Mudiaga Odje said that the nation stands at a constitutional crossroads where silence is no longer golden and inaction is no longer an option. He reiterated that the South-South region, having contributed immensely to the economic lifeline of Nigeria, deserves a constitutional framework that guarantees fairness, equity, and control over its resources. “Our people are not second-class citizens. We seek a federation where every region can thrive on its own terms, guided by justice and the rule of law,” he declared.
According to the renowned constitutional lawyer, the clamor for restructuring is not a call for secession, but a genuine push for sustainability, unity, and development. He emphasized that the current lopsided structure places a heavy burden on the center while weakening the component units. “The federal arrangement must be redesigned to empower the federating units, allowing them to legislate, govern, and develop in accordance with their unique realities,” Dr. Odje asserted, drawing a standing ovation from the attendees.
In summation, he pointed out that constitutional reform must reflect the collective will of all Nigerians—not just the political elite. He called for the immediate establishment of a Sovereign National Dialogue mechanism to accommodate all voices, especially those from historically marginalized regions. “Let this summit be the spark that reignites the flame of true federalism in Nigeria,” Dr. Odje concluded passionately, as the hall erupted in chants of solidarity and hopeful applause.
