Former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, along with other prominent leaders, met with President Bola Tinubu on Friday to advocate for the drafting of a new constitution for Nigeria. The group, operating under the banner of “The Patriot,” argued that a new constitution is essential to address the persistent social, economic, and political challenges facing the country.
Speaking after the meeting at the State House in Abuja, Anyaoku emphasized that the current Constitution is inadequate for leading Nigeria to its potential, attributing many of the country’s ongoing issues to its deficiencies. The group proposed that President Tinubu take immediate action by sending a presidential bill to the National Assembly to establish a constituent assembly. This assembly would be tasked with drafting a new constitution that reflects Nigeria’s diverse population and addresses the core issues hindering the nation’s progress.
Accompanying Anyaoku were several other notable figures, including Senator Shehu Sani, Mike Ozekhome, Labaran Maku, Senator Ben Obi, and Segun Osoba. They collectively urged that the draft Constitution should be subjected to a national referendum, ensuring that it is truly representative of the will of the Nigerian people.
The Patriot group believes that the process of drafting a new Constitution could be completed within nine months. They expressed confidence that this initiative would provide a foundational solution to the numerous challenges currently facing Nigeria, paving the way for a more stable and prosperous future.
Further discussions on the proposal are expected to continue as the government considers the feasibility and implications of such a significant constitutional reform.
