PRESS RELEASE

5th October, 2008

CITIZENS¢... ADVOCACY... GROUP

Grandview, Emmanuel Keshi Street , Magodo Estate, Lagos

Tel: 01-7600871, 0802 316 6219 

Email: pecag2007@yahoo.com

EMINENT POLITICAL LEADERS MEET IN LAGOS 

Citizens¢ Advocacy Group, CAC, a new initiative established to advance the synergy of Nigerian stakeholders on national issues is one of the key facilitators of a coalition of Nigerian networks working to reform the Nigerian constitution called Constitution Reform Dialogue Mechanism; CRDM, which was formally launched on Monday, 17 December 2007 at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos with eminent Nigerians from various sectors of the country participating.

The Nigerian nation has been embroiled in very long standing crisis of democracy and federalism which, at various time, has threatened national stability and unity and has contributed immensely to official corruption and the nation¢s underdevelopment.

In an effort to resolve these national questions, CAG in collaboration with other Nigerian Civil Society networks/organizations, that have track records on constitutional reform advocacy is organizing a National Consultative Forum that will enable stakeholders to firm up concrete positions on the proposed review of the 1999 constitution and a National Political Summit coming up later in the year.

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However, both Government and the Nigerian Civil Society organizations have attempted different (vertical and horizontal) initiatives since 1999 to date to review the Constitution. The ¡Third Term Agenda¢ of former President Olusegun Obasanjo was largely responsible for the abortion of the last initiative.

Meanwhile, the peoples¢ alternative process simultaneously anchored by PRONACO produced a draft constitution through the Peoples¢ National Conference in August 2006 but the provisions of the draft peoples¢ constitution is yet to be legally entrenched by the Nigerian government.

Although, government has set up a joint national assembly committee to review the constitution, the process is likely to be restrictive and exclusive given the provisions of section 9 of the 1999 constitution, which is yet to be amended to allow for a popular and all inclusive process.

The stakeholders¢ consultation will be led by Chief Anthony Enahoro Cfr, Leader of CAG and a keynote address on: The Essence and modalities for a National Political Summit will be delivered by Alhaji Balarabe Musa, CNPP Chairman. Discussants on popular review of the 1999 constitution include; Abiodun Aremu, UAD Convener and Barr. Supo Ojo, CDHR President.

Eminent political leaders who have confirmed their attendance include; Chief Solomon Lar, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Harry Akande, Alhaji Lateef Adegbite, Chief John Nwodo, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Raph Uwaizuruike, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Dr Federick Fasheun, Otunba Gani Adams, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Dr Usman Bugaje, Dr Olapade Agoro, Engr Buba Galadima, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, Dr Osagie Obayuwana,, Comrade Alfred Ilenre, Leaders of other political parties, Leaders of the civil society, Leaders of women¢s group among others 

The programme will hold as follows:

Date Tuesday, 7 October, 2008

Time: 10am prompt 

Venue: Ogun Hall, Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja

 

Yours faithfully,

Signed

Wale Okunniyi

Programme Coordinator

08023166219