By Charles Igwe
A delegation of prominent Nigerian figures, led by former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate a swift process for drafting a new constitution for Nigeria. The group, known as “The Patriots,” argues that the current constitution is insufficient to address the nation’s pressing challenges and to guide it toward a more prosperous future.
Following a meeting with President Tinubu at the State House on Friday, Chief Anyaoku and his delegation briefed State House Correspondents on their proposal. They stressed that the existing constitution has contributed to many of Nigeria’s ongoing difficulties and that a new document is necessary for the country’s advancement.
The delegation included notable figures such as Senator Shehu Sani, renowned lawyer Mike Ozekhome, former Minister of Information Labaran Maku, Senator Ben Obi, and former Ogun State Governor Segun Osoba.
The group called on President Tinubu to promptly send a presidential bill to the National Assembly, proposing the establishment of a constituent assembly. This assembly would be tasked with drafting a new constitution that reflects Nigeria’s diverse nature. The proposed draft would then be subjected to a national referendum, giving the people a direct voice in its adoption.
The Patriots emphasized that this new constitution could be completed within nine months and is essential for overcoming the systemic issues currently facing the country. Their call reflects a growing sentiment among many Nigerians who believe that a new constitutional framework is necessary to foster national unity and progress.
