From Maurice Okafor,Enugu
The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide, Chief Nnia Nwodo, has emphasized the pertinent need for a new constitution that will encourage production of goods and services, with less emphasis on consumption to be instituted in Nigeria.
Nwodo said the 1999 constitution which is presently in vogue was imposed on Nigerians by the military regime with less focus on how to stir the nation’s economy to greater heights.
He stated this at the weekend, during the monthly forum of ‘Nkata Umuibe’ ,organized by an Igbo elite pressure group with focus on searching and projecting credible Igbo sons and daughters to represent the zone in all ramifications of human endeavour, at Enugu Sports Club.
His words, “Our Constitution was formed with a motive for consumption and not for production. There was nothing to ginger leadership and growth.
“Does it not worry you that Nigeria is the greatest producer of Cassava in the whole world, but we cannot even boast of exporting ethanol, Cassava flour or any other product made from cassava’.
“Are we not surprised that we are the second largest producer of tomato fruits in Africa, yet Nigeria is the largest importer of tomato products. Are we not surprised that we are among rich oil mineral countries, yet Nigeria imports fuel.”
He insisted the nation’s development agenda can only be achieved through restructuring, that will enable the various states to maximise production of deposits and services available in it’s area and make contribution to the central government.
While regretting that the present system of government in the country as provided by the constitution derails initiative in production and doesn’t encourage visionary leaders to emerge, Nwodo stated, ‘The present party system in Nigeria does not provide room for good leaders to emerge. The parties are owned by stakeholders. But it is happening because the young people are docile. There are young people who are brilliant. Nobody will give you power. You people have to struggle for it’.
Earlier on, Hon Emeka Etiaba delivered a lecture on the quest for Servant Leaders across Igbo land, as a means of discovering the lost glory of Igbo nation and stirring Igbo land on the right track of development.
The participants/discussants at the forum which was for the month of March include, Chief Chief Chile Madueke,Managing Director,Urban Radio Enugu, Chief Mrs Lauretta Aniiagolu,Prince Sir Chris Atuegwu, Managing Director, Michelle Laboratories Eniugu, Professor Bartho Okolo,former vice chancellor, University of Nigeria(UNN)
