Former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has called on President Bola Tinubu to implement the 2014 National Conference report as a lasting tribute to late elder statesmen, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Friday, George described the two nationalist leaders — who passed away within days of each other in February — as pillars of constitutional reform who dedicated their twilight years to advocating for a more just, equitable and restructured Nigeria.
“This is a moral obligation, not a political favour,” George declared. “Adebanjo and Clark laboured for the unity and restructuring of Nigeria. The 2014 confab was their legacy. Mr President must honour them by implementing the recommendations.”
Clark, who led the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), died at 97 on February 12, while Adebanjo, a respected Afenifere chieftain, died at 96 on February 14. Both men were vocal proponents of the restructuring of Nigeria’s governance framework and played active roles in the 2014 conference convened by former President Goodluck Jonathan.
George, who served on a key subcommittee at the conference, said the resolutions represented a national consensus on critical reforms, including devolution of power, true federalism, and equitable resource control.
“The current constitution is a military document that centralises too much power in the presidency.
“It is defective and unsustainable,” George said. “What has the president got to do with the running of local governments? These were part of the issues the 2014 confab addressed.”
He criticised the uneven distribution of local governments across states as an example of structural imbalance, citing Lagos with 20 LGAs despite its population, compared to Kano’s 44 and Jigawa’s 27.
“We must correct these imbalances. Implementing the report will help curb corruption, promote justice and end sectionalism,” he added.
George said the late Adebanjo and Clark envisioned a “United States of Nigeria” where power would be decentralised and local governments would be accountable to the people, not the federal government.
He urged President Tinubu to “rise above partisan interests” and act in the national interest.
“This is the time to lead boldly. Let their passing not be in vain,” George said.
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