PRESS STATEMENT February 8, 2009

APPEAL TO NASS

IMPERATIVE OF 1ST AMENDMENT

ELECTORAL CONSTITUTION AMENDMENT

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties {CNPP}, in a Central Working Committee meeting at Abuja, resolved to appeal passionately to the President of the Senate, Hon Speaker, Distinguished Senators, Hon Members, especially the Joint Committee on Constitution Review {JCCR}; to as a matter of urgent national importance embark on Electoral Constitution Amendment, as the 1 st 1999 Constitution Amendment.

Whereas, we agree that there are many defects in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; however it is our considered view that the adoption of single phase model of amendment is far better than the cocktail model. The single phase model is from all intents and purposes, easier to handle, more manageable, speedy and concise.

A careful analysis shows that the intendment of Section 9 of the Constitution is a single phase amendment modeled in line with the United States of America model of amendment, where only 27 Amendments had been consummated in the 222 years of their Constitution. It is worthy to note that no two issues were amended together; the 1 st Amendment in 1791 was the 5 Freedoms. The idea is to avoid cocktail amendment, where one contentious issue like the 3 rd Term, as in the last exercise constituted an obstacle and aborted the noble exercise.

On this score, Electoral Constitution Amendment, in order of priority, is top on the agenda. Top on the agenda because amendment of the relevant sections of the Constitution will guarantee and make both National and State Electoral Commissions truly independent, non-partisan and impartial; hence stamp out Do-or-Die political culture.

Do-or-Die political culture not only breaches Section 14{2}{c}  of the Constitution, but also erodes the social contract between the leadership and the citizenry, corrupts the judiciary and tarnishes the image of our dear country. The over 400 lives lost in the Jos North Local Government election crisis and previous election casualties could have been avoided if the Election Commissions were truly independent, non-partisan and impartial umpires.

CNPP appeals to the National Assembly to harvest the national consensus that favours Electoral Constitution Amendment, as evidenced by various reports - ranging from the All Political Parties of 2001, National Political Conference, Mantu Committee and presently the Electoral Reform Committee reports.

CNPP predicates this appeal on the grave danger and unintended crisis that may truncate our fledgling democracy, if we fail to amend the relevant sections of the Constitution on or before September 2009; as there are waiting in the wings, bye-elections, local government elections and Anambra State Governorship election that will hold before the end of the year.

Already Police reports indicate influx of AK-47 and other deadly weapons into the country, as candidates are deploying their resources to acquire weapons instead of deploying resources to canvas their manifesto and programmes.

Consequently, we appeal to our Distinguished Senators and Hon Members to set forth at dawn, cast your names in the hall of fame, bestow a lasting legacy, amend the Constitution and make history,  for a stitch in time saves nine. Electoral Constitution Amendment is imperative and non-contentious.

Osita Okechukwu

National Publicity Secretary

CNPP

08039738870

 

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