A former special adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on social investment, Mrs Maryam Uwais, has called on the Federal Government to address the root causes of conflicts in the country, specifically poverty and inequality.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the dialogue “Culture, Constitution, and Citizens’ Conversation” organized by ‘Our Shared Future Foundation’ in Abuja on Sunday evening. Uwais emphasized the need for the National Assembly to enact laws that would benefit the less privileged.
She argued that the current constitution primarily favours the elite and political class.
Uwais stressed that the socio-economic rights outlined in Chapter Two of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are currently meaningless to those deprived of them, as they are not enforceable without further legislation by the National Assembly.
She called for legislative action to make chapter two of the constitution enforceable and urged more activism to make the principles outlined in the chapter justifiable.
Uwais said, “Fixing the future for Nigeria requires a holistic approach that addresses economic, social, political, and environmental challenges.”
She emphasized that by prioritizing inclusive and sustainable development, fostering good governance, and involving all Nigerians in the development process, the country can create a future where prosperity and equity are shared by everyone.
She stressed the dynamic interplay between culture, constitution, and citizen conversation, highlighting its crucial role in the country’s socio-political development.
Ekpa Stanley, a lawyer and human rights activist, the convener of the group, noted that Nigeria’s current challenges are often attributed to a leadership crisis and constitutional flaws.
He explained that the dialogue aimed to enlighten and reengineer citizens towards the right cultural approach to issues.
While acknowledging that the Nigerian constitution may not be perfect, he emphasized that it can still be utilized positively to enhance development.
The Panelists at the forum, Ijebusonma Osamor-Peter, Ekpa Stanley, and David Ebube Nwachukwu, discussed the interplay between culture and the constitution.
They agreed that a blend of the right culture and proactive amendment of certain constitutional provisions are essential for national progress.
David Akoji, Director of Special Duties at the National Orientation Agency (NOA), representing Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director General, emphasized the need for appreciation of certain universal values alongside traditional African values of family care and support.
Akoji recommended initiatives to promote the Nigerian values system through cartoons to instill a national identity and resilience, aiming to inspire a new generation.
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