Constitution amendment: Lawyer, Idam writes NASS, demands independent candidates

Activist lawyer, Madubuachi Idam has called for the fast-tracking of the bill seeking to amend the Nigerian constitution to allow for the participation of independent candidates into electoral offices in Nigeria.

Idam said the political crisis in various states presents a good reason for the National Assembly to consider the bill for independent candidates.

In an open letter addressed to the National Assembly, the constitutional lawyer said the bill will get rid of unpatriotic selfish political influence in Nigeria.

According to him: “As a patriotic, passionate Nigerian citizen, I write again to demand the fast-track of the Bill which seeks to amend Sections 7, 65, 106,131, 177 and 221 of Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended) to permit the participation of independent candidates for all electoral offices in Nigeria.

“Needless to say that the political crises in various States in Nigeria has compromised the peace and security of the inhabitants of those States and their environs.

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“Therefore, presenting again a good reason for the National Assembly to consider and pass the Bill seeking to alter the 1999 Constitution urgently, in order to allow participation of independent candidates in Nigeria’s electoral process.

“I daresay that political parties in Nigeria are or have become subservient to the interests of few politicians, who have garnered public wealth for themselves.

“Political parties now exist as tools for selfish political control in the hands of political pay masters, instead of upholding party manifestos and policing members with contrary political interest, among other functions.

“Evidently, the estranged political godfather and son in Rivers State who both belong(ed) to PDP but are obviously loyal to different political parties have accounted for major crisis in the state whereas their political party (PDP) seems to idly stand-by and helplessly watch without the needed political will to sanction the rebellious political situation.

“The National Assembly must now fast-track the Bill which is still at the first reading to become an Act of the National Assembly in order to get rid of unpatriotic selfish political influence over elected political officers in Nigeria.

“The timely passage of the Bill will crack down overbearing political influence and reduce violence and insecurity in Nigeria.”