Ohanaeze seeks fairness in ongoing constitution review exercise

By Msugh Ityokura

An umbrella body, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide has called for fairness to the South East in the ongoing constitutional amendment exercise by the 10th National Assembly.

The group made the call at the South East Zonal Public hearing on Constitution review for Imo and Abia States on Saturday

In a submission by its National Executive Committee, presented by Barrister Chizoba Iheka the group appreciated the efforts of the National Assembly Committee for the exercise while submitting its proposals for consideration.

It added that, the Executive Governor of Imo State has already pointed on the issue of additional state, Rotational presidency and security reforms, as such, they will take on the other proposals.

Ohaneze stated, “The Southeast Zone has been marginalized in the distribution of key federal infrastructure in the past 50 years. Especially in the following areas, railways, airports, federal universities, politics, etc. We propose that the constitution be amended therefore to ensure equitable distribution of these facilities across the six geopolitical zones of the country”.

It also calls for inclusiveness in the distributions of key federal positions and appointments to ensure equity among the nation’s federation units which includes the South East geopolical zones.

“We advocate a deliberate service in this constitution. To ensure that the key federal positions including the presidency, the Senate president, the Speaker, and other major offices of the country reflect the six geopolitical zones.

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“This will promote inclusiveness, a sense of brotherhood, and fairness in the distribution of leadership roles. It will be recalled that since the inception of the present democratic dispensation in the country, nobody from Southeast geopolitical zone has ever held the position of a leader.

“Nobody from Southeast geopolitical zone has ever held the position of a leader. position of Attorney General of the Federation, Head of Civil Defense, Immigration, Customs, and Minister of Internal Affairs and Agriculture, among others. Presently, the following key positions as the Leader Southeast, namely the President, the Vice President, the Senate President, the Deputy President of the Senate, the Speaker of the Federal House of Reps, Chief Justice of the Federation, and the Secretary of Police, among others.

“However, we believe that these proposals will contribute to a more equitable and inclusive federal structure, addressing the historical marginalization of Southeast and promoting national cohesion and development”.