A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to honour the legacies of late elder statesmen, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark, by releasing and implementing the 2014 National Conference report.
George made this appeal during a press briefing in Lagos on Friday, May 2.
The two national icons, both known for their strong advocacy for restructuring and good governance, passed away earlier this year. Adebanjo, a respected Pan-Yoruba leader and Afenifere chieftain, died at the age of 96 on February 14 and will be laid to rest in Ogun State on Saturday. Similarly, Clark, a revered leader from the Niger Delta region, died on February 17 at the age of 97, with his burial scheduled for May 13 in Delta State.
George noted that both men made significant contributions to the 2014 Constitutional Conference, which was initiated under former President Goodluck Jonathan. According to him, implementing the resolutions from that conference would be the most appropriate way to keep their memories alive and continue their work toward building a better Nigeria.
“Mr President, I am appealing to you, today May 2, release the report of the 2014 Confab for the benefit of the people of this country, in the memories of the two old men to immortalise their names,” George said.
He recalled working closely with both men on the same sub-committee during the conference, which focused on designing a more inclusive and effective governance structure for the country. George stressed that the report, which was adopted unanimously by delegates, contains practical solutions that address many of Nigeria’s current problems.
“These people (Adebanjo, Clark and other elder statesmen) are crying to Tinubu to release and implement that report,” he said, pointing out that the late leaders devoted their lives to nation-building.
George also noted that the country is currently facing serious economic, political, and security challenges. He believes that revisiting the Confab report now is crucial, as the existing constitution no longer aligns with the needs and aspirations of the people.
He said that reforms recommended in the report could help tackle corruption, inequality, ethnic divisions, and widespread poverty. Additionally, he urged President Tinubu to stay focused on solving the nation’s worsening insecurity and economic hardship.
Speaking on the state of the PDP, George expressed concern over recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He noted he could not understand what motivates some party members to leave the PDP, but stressed the need for unity within the party.
He called on PDP leaders to put aside personal interests and prioritize the collective good of the party, adding that “PDP is not finished.”
