Diverse reactions have emerged following a proposal by The Patriots, a group led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to initiate the process of drafting a new constitution through a national constituent assembly.
The group, which met with President Tinubu last week, advocated for an executive bill to be sent to the National Assembly to commence this process. However, the president, while acknowledging their recommendations, told them that retooling the economy for sustainable growth and development is the major priority of his administration.
In his reaction on Monday, elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, who is also a member of The Patriots, urged the president to proceed cautiously.
Yakasai, in a statement, emphasised the importance of broad consultations and careful consideration, warning that neglecting these steps could lead to national chaos and instability.
He expressed concern that “due process was not followed in articulating the views presented to the president,” stressing that a matter of such national significance demands inclusive deliberation and consensus among all founding members.
Yakasai argued that excluding key voices undermines the credibility and unity of the mission, insisting that decisions of this magnitude must be rooted in collective wisdom rather than rushed actions.
He further aligned with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s view that Nigeria’s core issue is not the constitution itself but the character and attitude of those who operate it. He asserted that without a change in the mindset and conduct of the country’s leaders, even the most well-crafted constitution would fail to bring about the desired progress and stability.
He advised that efforts should be directed towards promoting ethical leadership, accountability, and civic responsibility among those in governance. According to him, only by addressing these fundamental issues can Nigeria hope to create a society that truly reflects the aspirations of its people.
Renowned constitutional lawyer, Professor Auwalu Yadudu also expressed reservations about the call for a new constitution. He cautioned that any reworking of the fundamental document and restructuring of the polity must conform to constitutional processes to be legitimate. He warned that deviating from this path could lead to chaos and disorder.
Yadudu, in a chat with Daily Trust, elaborated that Nigeria’s problem is not about the nature of its constitution but the operators who implement it. He argued that for any changes to be legitimate, they must be made within the existing legal and constitutional framework. Any other approach, he suggested, would be suspect and contrary to the grundnorm, making it illegitimate.
He also questioned the legal and democratic legitimacy of The Patriots, asking where they derive the authority to dictate to the broader population on constitutional changes. Yadudu underscored that nation-building is an ongoing process and that while restructuring and amending the constitution are necessary, they must be done through proper channels.
Another elder statesman from the North, who preferred to remain anonymous, alleged that the leader of The Patriots might be trying to achieve Biafra through the back door. He questioned the rationale behind calling for a referendum in a country with a population of over 200 million, accusing the group of seeking to incite a crisis and take advantage of the current economic situation.
He described the proposal for a new constitution as disruptive, adding that it is an attempt to exacerbate existing tensions.
He argued that The Patriots are seeking national leadership without a mandate from the Nigerian people and challenged them to pursue their goals through political parties as elected leaders.
Ohanaeze opposes fresh national conference, insists on new constitution
Meanwhile, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the apex socio-cultural organisation representing Igbo communities, rejected the call for a National Constituent Assembly to address issues within the 1999 Constitution. Instead, they supported calls for a new constitution and the implementation of the 2014 National Conference recommendations and the 2005 National Political Conference, which advocated for additional states in the Southeast region.
In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and made available to Daily Trust yesterday, Ohanaeze argued that the current constitution is inadequate for addressing the demands of Nigeria’s diverse society. They urged President Tinubu to prioritise the implementation of the 2014 National Conference recommendations, which they believe will foster unity and progress.
Isiguzoro emphasised that convening another national conference would be ill-timed and insensitive given the country’s economic challenges. He called for a new constitution that addresses the flaws of the current military-imposed 1999 Constitution, which he said lacks the clarity and strength to meet the needs of Nigeria’s pluralistic society.
Middle Belt Forum supports new constitution
Dr. Bitrus Pogu, President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), expressed support for the demand by The Patriots for a truly people-driven constitution. He urged President Tinubu to muster the political will to deliver a new constitution for Nigeria, arguing that the current system has created numerous problems, particularly due to the centralisation of power.
Pogu recalled the functionality of Nigeria’s regional system in the past, where native authorities and regional governance structures worked effectively. He advocated for a return to a constitution similar to the 1963 version but with adjustments to address the current realities and anomalies.
He insisted that a new constitution, potentially derived from the 2014 Confab report, would better position Nigeria to address its challenges and allow each region to develop at its own pace. Pogu also suggested that the president could facilitate this process by calling for a referendum.
Afenifere deliberates
Meanwhile, Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation loyal to its acting leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, was in a meeting to deliberate on the proposal by The Patriots at the time of filing this report.
The group’s spokesman, Prince Justice Faloye, promised to provide a formal position after their discussions.
By Clement A. Oloyede, Saawua Terzungwe (Abuja), Abdullateef Aliyu (Lagos), and Nabob Ogbonna (Abakaliki)
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