Nigerians oppose Fapohunda’s constitutional draft, advocate republicanism 

Prominent Nigerians under the auspices of the Movement for National Reform (MNR) have voiced their opposition to Dr Akin Fapohunda’s proposed draft bill aimed at restructuring Nigeria’s government. 

The MNR, in a statement issued over the weekend, expressed concerns about Fapohunda’s actions and called for a return to the 1963 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN), amended to reflect contemporary realities.

The statement, signed by MNR Constitution Review Committee chair,  Prof. O. Igho Nature, and secretary Dr Yemi Adegoke, criticised Fapohunda, an activist,  for attempting to convert an annexure of Decree 24 of 1999 into the current CFRN through a private member bill at the National Assembly. 

The MNR emphasised that such significant national matters should involve all Nigerians, not just one individual.

“We, the People in MNR, share the sentiment for restructuring Nigeria but differ significantly in strategy from Dr. Akin Fapohunda. Statecraft requires careful attention to details to avoid social dislocation. 

“We believe lifting the suspension of the 1963 CFRN and amending it to contemporary realities will benefit all Nigerians”, MNR said.

It accused Fapohunda of making unguarded statements and promoting a quick fix rather than a thorough overhaul of the constitution.

The group highlighted the research and advocacy of the Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination (NINAS), which supports a complete repeal of four junta decrees to pave the way for restoring the 1963 CFRN.

“Our focus is on democratic exigencies for the National Assembly to restore the suspended 1963 CFRN for amendment, not the so-called 1999 CFRN. The 1963 CFRN is the only democratic template for Nigeria’s republican strands”, the group insisted.

The MNR criticized Fapohunda’s shift from supporting the 1963 CFRN to advocating an annexure of Decree 24 of 1999 and redefining federating units from littoral states to geopolitical regions. 

The movement warned that Fapohunda’s proposals could undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundation.

The group urged him to reconsider his approach, emphasizing the need for true federalism and the rights of indigenous ethnic nationalities. 

The MNR maintained that recalibrating the federal structure in line with the 1963 CFRN, amended to reflect modern realities, is essential for Nigeria’s democratic future.