A delegation of eminent Nigerians, operating under the umbrella of the Patriots, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently begin the process of drafting a new constitution for the country. The group, led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, made this appeal following a meeting with the President at the State House, Abuja, on Friday, August 9.
Chief Anyaoku, speaking on behalf of the delegation, emphasized the critical need for a new constitution, attributing many of Nigeria’s current challenges to the military-imposed 1999 Constitution. “The prevailing dislocations in Nigeria’s nationhood can be traced directly to the flaws inherent in the 1999 Constitution,” Chief Anyaoku stated, underscoring the urgency of their proposal.
The Patriots group comprises notable figures from across the country, including Senator Shehu Sani, renowned lawyer Mike Ozekhome, former Minister of Information Labaran Maku, Senator Ben Obi, and former Ogun State governor Chief Segun Osoba. Their collective voice adds significant weight to the call for constitutional reform.
In their proposal, the delegation urged President Tinubu to send a presidential bill to the National Assembly to establish a constituent assembly. This body, according to the group, would be tasked with drafting a new constitution that reflects the diverse nature of Nigeria’s population.
“The establishment of a constituent assembly is the most democratic approach to achieving a constitution that truly represents the will of the Nigerian people,” said Mike Ozekhome, one of the delegation members.
The Patriots further recommended that the proposed draft of the new constitution be subjected to a national referendum. This process, they argued, would ensure that Nigerians have direct input into the document that will govern their lives and future.
The group believes that if their proposal is adopted, the entire process of drafting and adopting a new constitution could be completed within nine months. They stressed that this timeline is crucial for addressing the systemic issues currently plaguing the country.
“The time to act is now,” Chief Anyaoku concluded. “A new constitution is not just necessary, it is imperative for the survival and prosperity of our nation.”
