By Peace Erewunmi

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has called for the immediate convocation of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) to produce a new constitution that it says genuinely reflects the aspirations, diversity and democratic ideals of Nigerians.

In a statement signed by its factional President-General, Chief Omenazu Jackson, the group argued that none of Nigeria’s constitutions had emerged from the sovereign will of the people. It maintained that the country’s constitutional history has largely been shaped by colonial authorities and successive military administrations rather than through a people-driven process.

Ohanaeze contended that the current constitutional framework has contributed to persistent national challenges, including debates over true federalism, devolution of powers, resource control and state policing. According to the organisation, only a constitution drafted and approved by Nigerians can provide a lasting foundation for national unity and democratic governance.

The group proposed that delegates to the conference should be independently nominated by Nigeria’s various ethnic nationalities, with equal representation for all groups regardless of size. It also insisted that the conference should operate independently of government influence and that any draft constitution should be subjected to a national referendum before coming into effect.

Ohanaeze urged the Federal Government and other stakeholders to begin consultations on the proposed conference, arguing that an inclusive constitutional process would strengthen democracy, promote equity and address longstanding structural issues affecting the country.