AdminThe Patriots, a group of eminent Nigerians, led by former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, on Friday, met with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja and demanded the drafting of a new constitution for Nigeria.
Chief Anyaoku, who spoke on behalf of The Patriots, urged the President to send an executive bill to the National Assembly, proposing to proposing the convening of a national constituent assembly with the responsibility of producing a draft a democratic constitution that is people-oriented.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to a statement by Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, Anyaoku suggested how the assembly can be constituted saying: ”The constituent assembly should be of directly elected individuals, on a non-political basis, from the 36 states of the federation, possibly three individuals per state, and one from the FCT.
”They should be assisted by seven constitutional lawyers, one drawn from each of the six geo-political zones and the FCT.”
He emphasised that the deliberations of the constituent assembly should take into full account the 1960/63 constitutions, as well as the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference and “indeed of the various national conferences that considered the Nigerian constitutions.”
Chief Anyaoku also said the Patriots requested legislating for a national plebiscite to which the draft constitution emerging from the constituent assembly should be subjected.
”The draft constitution, produced by the constituent assembly, should be put to a national referendum and if approved, should then be signed by the President as the genuine Nigerian people’s constitution,” Anyaoku said.
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Responding to the group’s requests, President Tinubu expressed his regard for The Patriots and their contributions to national discourse.
He said: ”I have listened to you carefully, and this is not a group that I can ignore. This is a group of patriots reflecting the heart and aspirations of society. I thank all of you for being here.
While acknowledging the challenges in a democratic system, the president stated they are necessary for good governance.
”I have faced the challenge of this democracy that I inherited from your struggles. I must recognise the fact that these challenges are most required for good governance.
”We have no other choice, and I believe also that it is most difficult to manage the twist and turns of democratic governance.
”I want to assure all of you that as I listened to your two major requests on the path to referendum and that should lead to constitutional measures that will fit our diversity and governance so that we avoid conflicts and break-ups.
The Nigerian leader expressed belief in the unity of the country and assured his commitment to doing whatever that is necessary to put happiness and good governance in the hands of all Nigerians.
Tinubu also noted that the clamour for constitutional reforms is a longstanding issue in national discourse.
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He acknowledged the examples presented by the Patriots on pluralistic countries, such as Canada and India, which have maintained unity by addressing their diversity through their constitutions.
”The avoidance of chaos is necessary to build this country and move its aspirations forward for the benefit of all of us.
Economic Reforms My Current Priority – Tinubu
President Tinubu stated that he is current priority is economic reforms aimed at putting the country on the path to sustainable growth and development.
”I am currently preoccupied with economic reforms. That is my first priority. Once this is in place, as soon as possible, I will look at other options, including constitutional review as recommended by you and other options,” the President said.
He also used the occasion to pay glowing tribute to the founding chairman of The Patriots, Chief Rotimi Williams, SAN, and Professor Ben Nwabueze, who succeeded him.
Describing both men and other members of The Patriot as strong believers in Nigeria, the President said the question on the minds of many Nigerians is: ”How will Nigeria be governed constitutionally, legitimately without unnecessary aches and pains of its diversity and this needs to be addressed constitutionally, so that we can build a nation that we can proudly hand over a banner without stain to our children,” the President said, quoting a line from the second stanza of the National Anthem.
He told Chief Anyaoku that he would be invited again for a more detailed conversation on the submissions of the Patriot.
”As you present this, just believe that it will be reviewed, and I commit myself to the belief that you want a stable and prosperous Nigeria,” Tinubu added.
Chief Anyaoku said The Patriots organised a well-attended colloquium in March 2024, where it was unanimously agreed that Nigeria needs a new people’s constitution.
Chief Anyaoku expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to lead the constitutional transformation, citing his personal record as one of the greatest champions of Nigeria’s struggle for democracy.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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