By Simon Utebor, Yenagoa
Ijaw youths, under the aegis of the Movement for the Survival of Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), has called on the Federal Government to set aside the 1999 Nigeria Constitution, saying it is faulty and does not represent the wishes of various ethnic groups.
It said the only way to stop the constant agitations and clamour for justice, equity and fairness in Nigeria was to initiate a referendum for the people to decide how the federation should be run deviod of oppression and suppression of the minorities.
National President of MOSIEND, Kennedy Tonjo-West, made the assertion Wednesday at a town hall meeting to commemorate this year’s Isaac Adaka Boro Remembrance Day celebration with the theme: ‘Navigating Our Way Out of Turbulence In These Perilous Times’.
He described Boro as a visionary and a detribalised Nigerian who fought for the emancipation of the minorites in the Niger Delta.
Tonjo-West noted that the Kaiama Declaration further re-echoes Boro’s vision as it concerns minorites rights and natural resources ownership and promoting the ideals of restructuring, adding that a Nigerian that seeks to protect the right and dignity of every Nigerian irrespective of tribe or religious stance is the yearning of the people.
He urged the Federal Government to commence the implementation of 2014 Constitutional Conference recommendations by overhauling the constitution of Nigeria rather than engaging in fruitless constitutional ammendments.
He stated: ” We are gathered here to celebrate a hero, an enigma, an activist, a father, an excellent student, a teacher, a detribalised Nigerian, a soldier, a police officer, one whose vision in the protection of minority rights is still resonating across the world making many wonder why they refused to listen to him.
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“Many ethnic nationalities who felt Boro was then overzealous are now awake to the reality and neck deep in the call for the equity and justice of the minority people.The Kaiama declaration further amplifies this vision as it concerns minorities’ rights, natural resources ownership and promoting the ideals of restructuring.
“We categorically state our belief in the oneness of Nigeria that seeks to protect the rights and dignity of all irrespective of tribe or religion.
“Nigeria is fast nosediving, we cannot gaurantee our tomorrow. The first duty of any government is the safegaurd of lives and property, that we have completely failed, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Our politicians and leaders should make room for change, not as we have at the federal level.
“They should know that if today Nigeria is torn apart, none of the monies they arrogated to themselves will save them. Nigeria right now is sitting on a keg of gunpowder, the leadership of this generation has not led well, we have leadership deficit.”
The MOSIEND boss called on the governors of the Southsouth to give direction by setting up its own security outfit as done by the other Southern regions, and expressed worry that up till now the Southsouth is yet to take the bold step.
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