The Gravitas Group for Good Governance, a national Think Tank otherwise known as G4, in wading into the crisis that has engulfed the nation as a fall out of the truncated peaceful protest of #EndSARS Youths, has called for the enshrinement of a new Constitution for the nation.
In a statement, the Group called on the President to immediately submit an executive bill to commence the process of writing a new constitution that recognises the diversity of the nation, and which must include the establishment of State Police, devolution of powers and resources to the states to enable the federating units order their own priorities in line with the preferences and choices of their people, bearing in mind, the national dream and vision of Nigeria to embrace Justice, Equity and access to the good life by all.
The cost of governance must be massively reduced and there must be a review of the political recruitment process to allow for the inclusion of fresh and new faces, voices and ideas including a commensurate percentage of youths and women, noting that the recycling of those whose views do not reflect merit or the contemporary realities of the country must stop henceforth, the Group added.
It also demands a formal apology from the Federal Government for the deployment of military personnel to the Lekki Toll Plaza where the hitherto peaceful demonstration was turned into a scene of blood by shooting innocent and unarmed young people, whose only desire was to see the nation governed within the ambit of the rule of law.
The Gravitas Group also called for the disengagement of all Security Chiefs, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the need for Ministers and Legislators to be more readily available to the people by constant visits to their constituencies, and responsive to their communications, failing which, what the nation has witnessed in the past few weeks could be a prelude to what may eventually come.
It noted that it has become obvious that the financial leakages normalised in our political system, as well as the general distance of government from the people are major parts of the root causes of the impoverishment which has led to the frustration of our youths. and that Government at all levels should desist from references to these hapless Nigerians as hoodlums, hooligans and criminals.
G4 concludes that these sets of people are the creation of the society and social welfare policies are needed to give them relief from abject poverty, frustration, despair and disillusionment it brings.
The Group sympathised and commiserated with parents and relatives of victims of the military and police excesses during the unfortunate incidence, while expressing sympathy and feelings of compassion for those whose businesses, personal properties and belongings were destroyed or looted in the process.
As a country, we should also have ways to compensate citizens who have experienced massive losses.
*Signed:
Akogun Tola Adeniyi
Ambassador Yemi Farounbi
Dr Kunle Olajide
Ambassador Folake Marcus Bello
Professor Mojibaolu Okome
Lady Modupe Ajayi-Gbadebo
Professor Gbenga Ayeni
Chief Rotimi Osuntola
Professor Anthony Kila.
