Reps begin move to change Nigeria’s name
THE House of Representatives’ Special Committee on Constitution Review has received a proposal to change Nigeria’s name to the United African Republic.
The committee confirmed the development after a tax consultant, Adeleye Jokotoye, submitted the proposal at the South-West Zonal Public Hearing yesterday in Lagos.
In his presentation, Jokotaye said the current name is symbolic of the country’s colonial past and should be changed.
He said a change of name would chart a new beginning for the country.
The consultant said: “At this crossroads in our history, it is mandatory that we change our name to reflect a new beginning which will be ushered in with a new constitution.”
On why he chose the United African Republic, Jokotoye said Nigeria comprises hundreds of ethnic groups that should be united.
As an alternative, he suggested that Nigeria could also choose United Alkebulan Republic (meaning: United Mother of Mankind Republic) as its new name.
The tax consultant also suggested amendments to the constitution to reflect fiscal federalism, state or regional resource and taxation control, removal of immunity clause, and review of the Exclusive Legislative List.