The former chairman of the
defunct Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), Chief Albert K Horsfall, has canvassed for a return to the 1963 federal constitution.
Horsfall, who is one of the delegates from Rivers State to the conference, spoke at the mini National Conference for Rivers people orgainsed by the Rivers Mainstream Coalition at the weekend in Port Harcourt.
“Except for some minor amendments that may be required, the 1963 Constitution still remains the best for Nigeria,” Horsfall explained.
He said that while the South-West and South-East are canvassing for loose federation, the South-South is yet to articulate a common position to be presented at the national conference.
The former security chief, however, stressed the need for governments at all levels to promote the spirit of self help and self-reliance, and also cautioned the youth against involvement in all forms of destructive tendencies.
Also speaking, Elder Gomba Osarollor said that Rivers State has made so many contributions towards the nation’s development, and stressed the need for equity and fairness in the polity.
Osarollor, who was chairman of the conference, also canvassed the devolution of powers to the federating units.
In his presentation, a university lecturer, Dr Sofiri Joab-Peterside, recalled the circumstance that gave rise to the Willinks Commission, and regretted that the outcome of the inquiry did not solve the problem of Nigeria.
Joab -Peterside said that the minorities in Nigeria must be integrated into the affairs of the nation.
Consultant to the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications on NUJ Secretariat building project and Principal Partner, Peak consult, Dabaye Dagogo-Jack (middle), contractor for the new NUJ complex and Principal Partner, Elohim Consult, Architect Peter Ajiente (right) and Engr Francis Nemieboka of Peak Consult, at the special kick-off meeting for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new NUJ secretariat at the ministry, yesterday. Photo: Chris Monyanaga