As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence anniversary, Senate Leader Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, who represents Ekiti Central, has called on citizens to move beyond divisive issues and focus on national unity.
In a statement released from Abuja on Monday, Bamidele voiced his concern about the persistent ethnic distrust within the country. He urged Nigerians, especially the elite, to prioritize the nation’s unity over the growing tendencies that divide the country along ethnic, political, and religious lines.
“After 64 years of political independence and 110 years of corporate existence, it is now our responsibility to direct our energy and intellect towards what unites us as a federation, rather than those issues that divide us,” Bamidele emphasized.
“At this critical juncture, we must be deliberate in addressing what fuels division and destabilizes our political environment to build a resilient federation that benefits all.”
He further called on leaders across various sectors whether political, socio-cultural, religious, or traditional to come together and agree on ways to tackle the pressing challenges threatening the country’s prosperity, unity, and political stability.
Regarding the ongoing constitutional review, Bamidele assured Nigerians that the Parliament is committed to addressing concerns about the nation’s political structure. He confirmed that the legislature had received numerous submissions aimed at reforming the governance system.
According to a statement from the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, key areas under review include the creation of state police, the introduction of diaspora voting, and ensuring financial independence for local governments.
Bamidele highlighted the collaborative nature of the constitutional review process, stressing that it involves input from federal and state legislatures, as well as a variety of stakeholders.
“There is no better time to review our federal governance structure than now,” the statement read. “We need to create a more efficient, functional, and responsive federation. Already, we have received 37 new memoranda from different groups nationwide and are also revisiting 16 constitutional amendment bills carried over from the Ninth National Assembly. Public hearings on the constitutional review will begin in January 2025, and we remain open to receiving more memoranda from various interests.”
Among the proposals received, Bamidele noted, are calls to establish state police, implement diaspora voting, secure financial autonomy for local government councils, strengthen judicial independence, create special seats for women in legislative bodies, and form a National Council of Traditional Rulers.
He concluded by assuring Nigerians that the constitutional review process, as outlined in Section 9(2)(3) of the 1999 Constitution, would be inclusive, allowing all interests to be considered. “As we forge a new path for our beloved nation, we promise that no voice will be left unheard, and Nigeria will emerge stronger,” he said.
