Clerics from the Cherubim and Seraphim Church have called for a transparent and inclusive approach to the ongoing constitutional review process in Nigeria, stressing the need for equal participation from all sectors to achieve a fair and representative outcome.
The clerics underscored the significance of forging a people-centric constitution, promoting unity, justice, and equitable representation.
It will be recalled that the National Assembly had initiated a public hearing as part of efforts to review and amend the 1999 Constitution.
The constitutional review is expected to address a wide range of issues, including federal restructuring, judicial reforms, local government autonomy, security, and inclusive governance, among others.
Speaking on the matter, the Conference Secretary-General of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Anthony Samaye, stressed the need for sincerity and honesty in the amendment process, warning that anything less could deepen divisions.
Samaye, who made this known at the annual Celebrating Seraphs Awards held in Lagos on Sunday, added that Nigeria’s political structure required urgent attention.
He said, “It will be a good thing if we are faithful and honest about the decision. Just like any marriage, you will always want to go back to the drawing board. So, the same goes for our country; our union needs serious attention.
“Our structure requires a revisit. So, the constitution amendment is good as long as it is done in truth and also in faithfulness to ourselves and to future generations. That is what will bring equity, justice and fairness to every sector and ethnic nationality of our country.”
Also speaking, the chairman of the award ceremony and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olusegun Fabunmi, urged the federal government and the national assembly to revisit the 2014 National Conference report.
He said the conference, which had broad representation from across the country, provided a solid foundation for national unity and constitutional reform.
He said, “The CONFAB report should be revisited because everyone was well represented. If they look at the document, it will solve a whole lot of problems relating to the constitution. It also provided a solid foundation for national unity and constitutional reform. Beyond legislative amendments requiring a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, the country needs to embrace the sovereignty of its people in the constitution amendment.”
Fabunmi said the event, which is the seventh edition, sought to celebrate Seraphs who had distinguished themselves in their various profession and contributed immeasurably to society.
“AEGIS Aid Foundation deems it fit every year to give them awards and recognise their contributions to the church and the society at large, and the award of the Most Outstanding Seraph of this year was won by Seraph Jude Obiwuru from ESOCS.” he added.
