Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has joined other elder statesmen, senior citizens, leaders of geopolitical zones and ethnic nationalities, to identify major lapses that must be addressed urgently if Nigeria is to remain in peace as a united sovereign state.

Taking a closer look at the socio-political and economic challenges besetting Nigeria, Chief Obasanjo, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and Alhaji Murtala Aliyu, secretary-general, Arewa, all came together to chart a course forward.

They met at a forum that was convened by Vision Africa (VA) and the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), in Abuja, on December 13, with a view to usher in an increased understanding of the root of conflict and violence affecting Nigeria.

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The forum also sought to increase positive relationships between the Nigerian government and various agitating groups across the country, with a focus on the importance of universal principles and shared values as the glue for social cohesion and sustainable peace.

Following the meeting which was held both physically and virtually across the world, the leaders came up with a communique in which their observations and inferences were tabled.

According to a statement which was released on Wednesday, December 22, the respected thought leaders were of the opinion that the 1999 Constitution, which they described as ‘Oligo-military in nature’ does not represent the collective interest of Nigerians.

They further inferred that the constitution also does not fully tackle social injustice nor proffer solutions to forestall having a failed economy.

In their statement, the elder statesmen were of the opinion that the failure of the 1999 constitution has led to the high prevalence of insecurity and neglect of oil exploration communities and minorities, and these become some of the key issues that deepen the threat to the nation’s security and unity.

They called on the government to begin a process of constitution review, amend and rework of the constitution, drawing on previous constitutions, amongst other things, to synchronise/harmonise the laudable principles they embody.

This the senior citizens believe will ensure, not one-off solutions, but lasting change.

The leaders urged the government at all levels to revisit and show sincere efforts at understanding the core issues of dissidence and self-determination in Nigeria rather than incarcerate, use bullets and counter-attacks as the government’s response to agitations and unrest.

The communique revealed that even in the nation’s divergence, there exists an area of convergence.

“We, therefore, commit to keeping the conversation room open for further dialogue so as to address and resolve the common challenge that is deepening this divide,” the statement read in part.

The meeting, a sequel to an earlier ‘Inclusive Security Dialogue Retreat’ held at the Airlie Conference Centre in Warrenton, Washington DC, USA, in October 2021, noted that national development cannot be achieved without a focus on youths and the education sector, and intentional inter-generational collaboration between the elite and the youths.

It charged religious and traditional rulers to put an end to all manner of incitement, misrepresentation and distortions of neighbours but rather to explore the country’s diversity to discover what is best for Nigeria.

“National development without a focus on youths and the education sector, and intentional inter-generational collaboration between the elite and the youths may not augur well for our security. Neither will the organised movement of street children and the disabled from one part of the country to another.

“We postpone doomsday if it is ignored. National reconciliation conference that allows the principles of fairness, equity and justice; with an immediate consideration of legitimate agitations and a collective effort to de-escalate the conflict and violence across the nation can no longer be ignored. The 1999 Constitution is Oligo-military in nature and does not represent our collective interests; it needs to be re-negotiated by national ethics.

“A constitutional review process, enabling peace and social cohesion is necessary. Government shall therefore provide an environment where a new Constitution from the representatives of the people by the people and for the people would emerge.”

The forum called for the cessation of incitement, misrepresentation and distortion of the image and all other incidents that tend to pit various nationalities and creeds against one another.

The statesmen noted that Nigeria must explore its diverse religion and traditions to discover what is best for the people.

Asides from those aforementioned, those physically present at the meeting included Rev. Pam Yakubu, executive secretary, Christian Pilgrims Commission; Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, Alhaji Murtala Aliyu, Amb. Ahmed, director, Northern Elders Forum.

Also present were Amb. Okey Emuchay, secretary general Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Amb. Godknows B. Igali, Dr. Pugo Bitrus, chairman, Middle Belt Forum; Dr. Kunle Olajide, secretary, Yoruba Council of Elders, Chief Audu Ogbeh, chairman, Arewa Consultative Forum.

Others who were there include, Dr Kunle Olajide, secretary, Yoruba Council of Elders, Mr. Mark Emakpore, member, Board of Trustees (BoT), Pan Niger Delta Forum and James Flyn, president, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) among others.

Gani Adams, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, former Akwa Ibom governor, Obong Victor Attah, Madam Ankio Briggs, Niger Delta Self Determination Movement, joined the meeting virtually.