Clark, who was represented by the National Publicity Secretary of PANDEF, Chief Obiuwevbi Ominimini, referenced the failure of state legislatures to support autonomy proposals from the National Assembly as an example of the Constitution’s “clumsy nature.”

“The 1999 Constitution is a military document handed over to civilians. It is inherently flawed and has made governance inefficient.

“We need to revert to the 1964 Constitution, which allowed regions to control their resources and pay taxes to the center. This system encouraged growth at individual paces and avoided the current dependency of states on federal allocations,” he said

He criticised several aspects of the current governance system, including state-level Independent Electoral Commissions, the immunity granted to governors, and what he termed a lack of inclusivity in ministerial appointments.

On inclusivity, he emphasised the need for equitable treatment of all ethnic groups, specifically advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

“Nobody should be treated as a second-class citizen in their own country. PANDEF remains committed to advocating for structural reforms to address the nation’s challenges”.

THE NATION