A former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Nduese Essien, has echoed the call for constitutional reform and restructuring to address many maladies besetting Nigeria.
The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria framed by the military with some amended portions by the civilian administration in 2001 is seen as a flawed document.
Though many Nigerians and socio-cultural organisations had championed the call, restructuring of the country was one of the key manifestos of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2015 presidential election campaign for absolute transformation
Addressing a press conference in his country-home in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State on Saturday, Chief Essien recalled that ‘‘In my 80 years on earth, I have seen colonial administration of Nigeria. I have seen Nigeria since Independence in 1960. I have seen Nigeria under different shades of military rule and temporary civilian rule up to 1998.
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‘‘I have been an active participant in the government of Nigeria from 1999 in the House of Representatives and as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria up to 2011. Since then, I have been on the sidelines of the evolving political scenario in the country.
‘Today, I stand before you with a heart heavy with concern and a spirit emboldened by resolve. Our beloved country, Nigeria, is at a crossroads, grappling with crises that threaten the very fabric of our society.’’
Essien enjoined, ‘‘I call upon President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly across the federation to heed the call for constitutional reform and restructuring.
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‘‘It is time to embrace true federalism – whether based on the six geopolitical zones or the current state structure – and empower our states and regions to take charge of their own destinies.’’
The Elder statesman who spoke during the activities to wind up his 80th birthday anniversary, however, noted that ‘‘The oil producing communities will not succumb to the present level of frustration and subjugation where their resources are confiscated for the development of the whole nation and a pittance grudgingly allowed to them.
‘‘More frustrating is the situation where the resources of the oil producing regions have been seized and exploited without their active participation. It is a ridiculous political arrangement which cannot be sustained.’’
The former South-South Caucus Chairman in the House recalled as a member then how the caucus summoned the ExxonMobil Chief Executive to explain why Akwa Ibom State being a major producer of crude oil in the country did not have one senior staffer in the top echelon of 25 persons in the industry unlike Chevron and Total Fina.
According to him, ExxonMobil did not waste time in appointing two prominent indigenes such as Udom Inoyo and Gloria Usen into the top 25th position in the organization.
On the deplorable state of secondary health-care facilities in the country, Essien said ‘‘Furthermore, I must address the alarming state of our secondary health care facilities. During my recent visits to hospitals within my Senatorial District, I was appalled by the lack of confidence our people have in the public healthcare system.
‘‘Despite the efforts of past administrations, including the refurbishment and equipping of hospitals by former Governor Udom Emmanuel, many facilities are still failing to meet the needs of our citizens with some of the equipment already missing. The poor state of the healthcare system is not peculiar to Akwa Ibom, but a matter of national emergency. I call on both the federal and state governments to intervene urgently.
The octogenarian used the occasion to commend the governors of Akwa Ibom, Abia, Edo and Borno States for the good job they are doing for their people.
‘‘In Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno has embodied humility, prudence and commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the people of the State. By settling the backlog of gratuities and pension to retired public officers, cutting the cost of public celebrations and leasing out the state aircraft, Governor Umo Eno has shown that it will no longer be business as usual. But there are still rooms for him to do more to cut the cost of governance.
‘‘Running a smart cabinet made up of experts with proven record of integrity and achievement will not only deliver on the promise of good governance, but also show that honesty and hard work pays,’’ he said.
