The call for a Constitutional Reform has been at the front burner for a long time with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration been mute about the call.

Nduese Essien, former Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban development, has called on President Tinubu, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives and speakers of State houses of Assembly, Tajudeen Abbasto heed the call for constitutional reform and restructuring.

Essien expressed concern that endemic corruption, insecurity, bad governance, and a flawed leadership recruitment system have cast a shadow over the nation’s future, stressing that the underlying socio-economic factors that fuel extremism and criminality should be addressed.

He regretted that corruption was most unlikely to reduce in Nigeria with the laisser-faire attitude of successive administrations wanting to accumulate excess resources to outpace opponents to win the next election, pointing out that the culture of nepotism erodes trust in the institutions and undermines the very foundations of the nation’s democracy.

Speaking at the celebration of his 80th Birthday in his hometown in Eket Local government area of Akwa Ibom state,, he said, “Today, I stand before you with a heart heavy with concern and a spirit emboldened by resolve. Our beloved country, Nigeria, is at a crossroads, grappling with crises that threaten the very fabric of our society. First and foremost let me address the cancer of corruption that has plagued our society for far too long.

“Coming out of the military rules and an interregnum of civilian administration in 1999, Nigeria was rated the second most corrupt nation in the world. The new administration in 1999 was aware of the enormity of the problem and set out to immediately address it by instituting mechanisms to reduce corruption.

“By 2008 Nigeria had ascended the corruption index to 121 out of 180–a significant improvement resulting from the efforts of 8years, by 2023 , 145 out of 180 reflecting the deteriorating level of corruption in the country.

“ Equally pressing is the issue of insecurity which has left too many of our citizens living in fear for their lives and livelihoods. From the menace of Boko Haram in the Northeast, to the banditary and kidnapping ravaging our communities, no Nigerian should have to endure such terror.

“ I call upon President Bola Tinubu, Senete President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and speakers of State houses of Assembly across the federation to heed the call for constitutional reform and restructuring.

“It is time to embrace true federalism- whether based on the six geopolitical zones or the current state structure -and empower our states and regions to take charge of their own destinies”

The former member of the House of Representatives asserted that the oil producing communities would not succumb to the present level of frustration and subjugation where their resources were confiscated for the development of the whole nation and a pittance grudgingly allowed to them.

“ He stressed that more frustrating was the situation where the resources of the oil producing regions have been seized and exploited without their active participation.

He described the situation as a “ridiculous arrangement’ which could not be sustained, adding, “These maladies have become so entrenched that it appears no administration emerging through our electoral process will ever be able to overcome them.

“The quality of governance in Nigeria has continued to plummet through successive administrations since 1999 and gotten worst since 2015. I therefore urge president Tinubu to do his best to address these issues and keep the country together to the end of his first tenure.

“Thereafter, a government of national unity should be formed to chart a new course for our nation. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also failed in its duty to uphold the integrity of our electoral process.

“The cascading fraudulent conduct of general elections stands as a testament to the erosion of our democratic values. I demand for an immediate investigation of the INEC and a comprehensive overhaul of our electoral system. We cannot go to another election with this porous system”.

The former Lawmaker said that despite daunting challenges, he remain steadfast in his belief in the resilience of Nigerians and potential of the country
disclosed that he has started the existing process of his participation in active politics.

, “I will in a short while, sort out and disengage from the various Political groups and leadership positions I have held for so long. Very soon I shall be out of partisan politics to allow younger people room for ascendancy. As an elder statesman I remain committed to offering guidance and counsel in the pursuit of a better Nigeria”, Essien noted.