Bode George Urges Tinubu to Implement 2014 National Conference Report

Honoring Late Elder Statesmen Adebanjo and Clark

Bode George, former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on President Bola Tinubu to implement the 2014 National Conference Report as a tribute to the late Ayo Adebanjo and Edwin Clark.

The elder statesmen, who both passed away in February 2024, were key figures in Nigeria’s political landscape. Clark, leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), died at 97, while Adebanjo, former Afenifere factional leader, passed at 96.

Conference Report as a Legacy Project

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, George emphasized that both men actively participated in the 2014 national conference convened by former President Goodluck Jonathan. He described the implementation of the conference resolutions as the most meaningful way to honor their legacies.

“Mr President, I am appealing to you today to release the report of the 2014 Confab for the benefit of the people of this country, in the memories of these two great men,” George stated.

Constitutional Restructuring Needed

George, who worked with both leaders on constitutional restructuring, criticized Nigeria’s current governance system as fundamentally flawed. He particularly highlighted issues with the 1999 Constitution’s centralized structure.

“The constitution we are running is defective. It’s so military in its setup. Everything ends with only one man at Aso Villa as the president,” he remarked.

Addressing Structural Imbalances

The PDP chieftain pointed to disparities in local government allocations as evidence of systemic problems:

• Lagos (most populous state): 20 LGs
• Ogun (half of Lagos’ population): 20 LGs
• Kano: 44 LGs
• Jigawa (created from Kano): 27 LGs

Call for Devolution of Power

George advocated for what he termed “the United States of Nigeria,” with reduced central power and greater autonomy for states. He believes implementing the 2014 report would help address:

• Corruption
• Nepotism
• Sectionalism
• Poverty

The political leader concluded by emphasizing that honoring Adebanjo and Clark’s vision through constitutional reform would create a more equitable Nigeria.

Source: NigerianEye.com