As Nigeria marks its 63rd Independence anniversary, the Coalition of Indigenous Ethnic Nationalities, a non-governmental organization, urges a significant overhaul of the nation’s constitution.
The coalition, represented by various ethnic groups in Ibadan, Oyo State, asserts that despite 109 years since the amalgamation of diverse ethnicities and 63 years of independence, Nigeria still grapples with disharmony and lacks a shared national identity.
The representatives, including Prof. Benjamin Okaba (Chairman of Ijaw National Congress), Timothy Gandu (Co-Chairman of Southern Kaduna Leadership Council), Nubari Saatah (Niger Delta Congress Secretary), Dr. Akin Fapohunda (Afenifere Organization), Prof. Ejeikwu Oloja (Kwararafa Union), and Voice of Reason in Yorubaland, express disappointment that the 1960 independence has replaced western imperialism with settler colonialism.
They highlight challenges faced by indigenous communities, such as environmental degradation, land dispossession, the threat of annihilation, and limited access to essential services.
The coalition calls for a new constitution that restores a symmetric federal structure, ensuring equal representation for all regions and equitable distribution of power, regardless of population, region size, place of birth, or faith.