National leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has reiterated the need for the country to return to the 1963 Constitution, referred to as the Republican Constitution, which he said was equipped with the necessary framework for true federalism.

According to the elder statesman, in a statement commemorating June 12, the 1964 Constitution provided room for autonomy for federating units.

Fasoranti, who congratulated Nigeria on the historic and momentous milestone in the nation’s democratic journey, emphasised that the present political structure was inadequate to address the country’s complexities.

While calling for a total restructuring of the country, the Afenifere leader said: “We reiterate our strong view that Nigeria must be fully restructured to ensure an enduring framework for unity and progress.

“The type of restructuring that can effectively serve the intended purpose is one that restores true federalism and enables the constituent parts of the country to exercise a measure of autonomy or self-determination, as was the case under the 1963 Constitution.”

The nonagenarian also advocated the establishment of state police and community policing as a necessary step towards restoring peace and order across the country. He expressed concern over the rising wave of violence, particularly in the northern regions, and criticised the central policing structure as ineffective.

“Because of the prime place which security occupies in life, we acknowledge the efforts being made. But these efforts have not freed us from the clutches of bandits. We, in Afenifere, share the view that establishing state police and checking internal collaborators is the necessary panacea.”

Fasoranti, who commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognising June 12 as Democracy Day and for honouring the late Moshood Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.