A group of influential Nigerian elder statesmen, known as The Patriots, has insisted that the current 1999 framework is inadequate for addressing the country’s challenges.
The Patriots, led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, visited President Bola Tinubu recently and urged him to consider initiating a new constitution.
The Patriots highlighted issues such as inadequate federal structure, lack of effective governance, and the need for greater accountability and transparency.
They argue that a new constitution could provide a framework for addressing these issues and fostering sustainable development.
The Patriots have also established a consultation committee to spearhead the creation of what they are calling the ‘People’s Constitution.’
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, a prominent figure in the Nigerian political landscape, criticised President Bola Tinubu’s focus on economic issues over constitutional reform.
According to Anyaoku, the 1999 Constitution is fundamentally flawed and hampers effective governance and development.
“Even if you send the best leaders in the world to govern Nigeria under this present constitution, they will not succeed because of the nature of the constitution,” Anyaoku said.
“The constitution we have now impedes the development of the country because the federating units are not viable enough.”
Anyaoku emphasised that the current constitution creates obstacles that prevent meaningful progress.
He believes that no leader, regardless of their skills or intentions, can effectively address Nigeria’s problems without a constitutional overhaul.
In response to these concerns, The Patriots have inaugurated a National Advocacy Committee to work towards drafting a new democratic constitution.
This committee is tasked with engaging the public, gathering input, and advocating for constitutional reform.
The committee is chaired by Prof. Anthony Kila and co-chaired by Senator Shehu Sani. Members include a diverse group of individuals such as Alhaji Shetima Yerima, Dr. Olubunmi Wilson, Mr. Tokunbo Williams, Annkio Briggs, Chido Onumah, and other notable figures.
“We are not yet recommending what the content of the constitution would be,” Anyaoku clarified. “It is the process that would produce the new constitution we are recommending.
“So it would be fair to say that the situation in the country now is worse than it has ever been, so the call for a new constitution, which we believe will help the country to deal with the challenges we are faced with.”
The committee’s mission includes mobilizing public support and sensitizing various sectors of society about the need for a new constitution.
They plan to interact with the National Assembly, traditional leaders, students, and corporate entities to build a broad consensus for the proposed changes.
Prof. Anthony Kila, the chairman of the committee, expressed his gratitude for the appointment and outlined the committee’s goals. “We will soon be interacting with members of the National Assembly, traditional leaders, students, as well as corporate Nigeria,” Kila stated in his acceptance speech. “Our aim is to inform, engage, and gather input from various segments of the public.”
The push for a new constitution comes amid growing frustration with Nigeria’s current political and economic situation.
Critics argue that the 1999 Constitution, which was adopted during the transition from military to civilian rule, is outdated and does not adequately address contemporary challenges.
