A don, Prof. Ladipo Adamolekun, has advocated for a new constitution for the country in order to promote genuine unity among the diverse ethnic groups.
Adamolekun spoke on Wednesday at a convocation lecture he delivered at Lead City University, Ibadan, as part of the activities marking the institution’s ninth convocation ceremony.
The lecture was entitled : “ The Idea of Nigeria: Two Challenges-Unity in Diversity and Prosperity.”
Adamolekun, a former lecturer in the Department of Public Administration at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, said a new constitution would solve the political and socio-economic challenges confronting the country.
The don, who opposed the continued effort to amend the 1999 constitution, said creating a new constitution was a necessity and not a choice.
He added that the new constitution must also contain features capable of keeping the country united.
“I would also add that the federation to be enshrined should be the one that would accommodate the country’s ethnic, linguistic, religious, cultural, regional and geographical diversity,’’ he said.
This, he said, would be capable of advancing social-economic progress while a devolved federal system, both politically and economically, would yield the desired outcomes.
“The new constitution must be adopted through a referendum to affirm that it is truly owned by the people” he added.
In moving the country forward, the don listed peace and security, economic diversification, strengthening of elite institutions and anti-corruption campaign as the most promising drivers of prosperity for the country. (NAN)