DAILY TIMES Nigeria
MOSIEND seeks new Nigerian Constitution over alleged marginalization
20 September 2024
By Nsikak Ekpenyong
The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND) has called for a review of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, citing decades of marginalization and neglect of the region.
The demand for a new constitution aims to address the region’s grievances.
MOSIEND accused the federal government of using oppressive laws and policies to deprive the Niger Delta of its natural resources and rights.
The group’s National President, Dr. Kennedy Tonjo West, spoke on Thursday at the inauguration of the executives of the Northern – Abuja Chapter, emphasizing the group’s demands for constitutional reforms.
The newly inaugurated executives of the MOSIEND Northern Nigeria-Abuja Chapter include Hon. Comrade Solomon Debekeme as Chairman, Johnbull as Vice Chairman, Ennyia George as Secretary, Comrade Stanley Bolu-ebi as Assistant Secretary, Tornado Onazi as Public Relations Officer, Dabo as Financial Secretary, Mibie Andakro as Women’s Leader, Timi Okere as Director of Mobilization, Israeli Theophilus as Director of Operations, Sotonyi as Treasurer, Furo Wilson as Organizing Secretary, Binigbolo Samon as Provost, and Samuel Asor as Ex-Officio.
During the inauguration, Dr. West highlighted the region’s struggles, including inadequate infrastructure, high unemployment, and limited access to education and job opportunities.
According to him, the Niger Delta, which accounts for a significant portion of Nigeria’s oil wealth, has long complained of being marginalized.
The group also urged the federal government to revisit the Land Use Act, claiming it has been used to marginalize the region.
Nevertheless, the group commended President Tinubu’s administration for appointing sons and daughters of the Niger Delta to key positions, urging them to attract development to the region.
Dr. West said: “The government has used draconian laws and policies to marginalize the region and deprive them of what naturally belongs to them. We advocate for scrapping the 1999 Constitution and creating a new one that favors the interests of all ethnic nationalities and regions, so we can progress in terms of development.
“Furthermore, the Federal Government should revisit the Land Use Act, as it has led to certain regions having a voice while others do not. Recently, Shell sold a large investment without consulting the region’s stakeholders and communities.
“I commend President Tinubu’s Administration for appointing industrious sons and daughters of the region to positions of power and urge them to attract development to the Niger Delta.
“To the newly inaugurated MOSIEND executives, be good ambassadors of the Niger Delta here in Abuja and the 19 Northern States in Nigeria. Work with the Senators and Federal House Representatives to bring development to the Niger Delta.”
The inauguration was attended by Special Adviser and Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dinyain Tuebi, who reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace and development in the Niger Delta.
Tuebi said: “The Presidential Amnesty Programme is dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote peace, stability, and socio-economic development in the Niger Delta. We recognize the Movement’s vital role in advocating for the rights and interests of the Ijaw people and fostering harmony among ethnic groups.
“As you embark on this new chapter, I urge you to continue promoting dialogue, understanding, and collective progress. May this inauguration mark the beginning of a new era of cooperation, growth, and prosperity for the Ijaw nation.”
Credit:
DAILY TIMES of NIGERIA
©2024
0 Comments