MNR Calls on Tinubu to Restore 1963 Constitution for National Unity

Press conference in Abuja, the Movement for National Reformation (MNR) urged President Bola Tinubu to replace the current 1999 Constitution with the 1963 Constitution, which they believe better reflects national unity and true federalism.

Dr. Samuel Adai Onimisi, MNR’s National Vice Chairman, and Philip Idaewor, the National Secretary, emphasized that the 1963 Constitution is the legitimate federal framework inherited from Nigeria’s founding fathers. They argued that restoring this constitution and updating it to address contemporary realities would provide a stable legal foundation to resolve Nigeria’s ongoing structural issues.

“We appeal to President Tinubu to give due consideration to this imperative,” Onimisi stated. “Restoring the 1963 Constitution and amending it as needed will help revive true federalism in Nigeria, unlike the 1999 Constitution, which emerged from military Decree 24 of 1999 and lacks the consensus of ‘We the People.’”

In addition, Idaewor condemned the recent loss of lives and property during the 10-day #EndBadGovernance protests that began on August 1, 2024. He expressed MNR’s solidarity with the Federal Government and urged swift action to alleviate the suffering of citizens.

“It is regrettable that a noble civic act of protest was infiltrated by forces hostile to Nigeria’s sovereignty,” Idaewor remarked. “We extend our condolences to the families who lost loved ones during the protests and hope for the speedy recovery of those injured.”

The MNR highlighted the importance of the government’s responsibility to ensure the security and welfare of its citizens, as outlined in the 1999 Constitution.