The Ijaw National Congress (INC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to revert Nigeria to the 1963 constitution, following his recent decision to bring back the old national anthem.
The INC, the leading socio-cultural organization of the Ijaw nation, praised the President’s move to reintroduce the old national anthem, calling it a “welcome development” and a “bold step” towards correcting historical wrongs. However, they urged the President to extend this initiative to include the 1963 constitution, which featured a parliamentary system of government.
The INC criticized the 1999 Constitution currently in use, arguing it was “rudely and forcibly” imposed to oppress Nigerians, especially the people of the Niger Delta. They called on President Tinubu to urgently revert to the 1963 constitution, warning that failure to do so could lead to imminent anarchy.
Supporting the INC’s position, human rights lawyer Tolu Babaleye stated that reverting to the 1963 legal framework would enhance stability, reduce insecurity, and promote equitable development. He argued that the Niger Delta region has suffered from an inability to control its resources, and a constitutional change would empower the 36 states.
The call for a return to the 1963 constitution has ignited a debate on the need for constitutional reform in Nigeria.
The President’s decision to revert to the old national anthem is seen as a positive step towards addressing past mistakes, and the INC’s call may increase pressure on the government to consider broader constitutional reforms.
