OYOGist.c has learned that the Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila has berated the present definition of federal character in the Nigerian Constitution. He is of the opinion of amending the definition and meaning to cover the real and totality of geographical status of Nigeria.
He said the present defined federal character, does not reveal the real constituents of the nation because, it limits national opportunities to geographical location alone without taking care of gender, persons living with disabilities and age classification.
While declaring open the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) National Strategy Meeting and Retreat in Abuja, Hon. Gbajabiamila also challenged young legislators on charting a course in preparation for the Nigerian youth taking the mantle of leadership at all levels of government in the country.
In Gbajabiamila thought, he felt there’s need for amendment of the Constitution for proper definition of federal character because, the present federal character is limited to where you are from, like your ethnicity.
He added that, we have the Igbos, we have the Hausas, the Yorubas in the country as the major tribes but, there should be geographical spread. It should be known that, the character of a nation is not just based on your tribe, it’s based on Religion, where you are from, your sex and age.
Also, he said percentage of women, men and youth are part of the true meaning of federal character and he felt, that is what should be reflected in the constitution.
