Former Senator and Labour Party governorship candidate in the 2023 Imo State election, Athan Nneji Achonu, has called for far-reaching constitutional and economic reforms to strengthen democracy and ensure inclusive development.
Speaking at a press briefing on the state of the nation in Abuja, Achonu described his intervention as “a call to conscience,” one that transcends party politics, adding that Nigeria must urgently address the structural gaps holding back progress.
He welcomed the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, judgment on local government financial autonomy but insisted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be empowered to conduct council polls to end what he called the “mockery” of state electoral commissions.
He also urged civic groups, including the NBA, NLC and student unions, to monitor utilisation of council allocations.
Regarding the removal of subsidies, Achonu recalled sponsoring a similar bill in 2015, but faulted state governors for failing to use the proceeds to improve living standards. He proposed that a larger share be constitutionally channelled to local governments, where officials can be held accountable in court.
The ex-lawmaker backed the Senate’s 30 per cent local processing rule for raw materials and commended the Tinubu administration’s tax reforms. He renewed calls for diaspora voting, noting that Nigerians abroad remitted $20.93 billion in 2024, which is four times the country’s foreign direct investment.
Achonu further urged the legalisation of cannabis cultivation and processing, calling it “Nigeria’s green gold,” with the potential to create jobs, attract foreign investment, and generate new revenue.
For political stability, he advocated constitutional zoning of the presidency among the six geopolitical zones, beginning with the South East and North East, which have yet to produce a president since 1999.
He pledged support for any administration that embraces such reforms, commending President Tinubu, the National Assembly and the Attorney General of the Federation for “progressive initiatives.”
