Anyaoku, Other Patriots Embark on Nationwide Advocacy for New Constitution

•To engage leaders of thought, stakeholders

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Patriots, a group of eminent leaders of thought in Nigeria, chaired by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has  announced the commencement of a nationwide mobilisation towards the actualisation of a new democratic people’s constitution for Nigeria by the current federal Administration in Nigeria

This was contained in a statement by Salvation Alibor for the Patriots Secretariat.

The statement said the Patriots’ nationwide advocacy and mobilisation for a new democratic people’s constitution for Nigeria has become imperative following the consensus reached by leaders of thought and eminent political stakeholders, who converged at the national Constitutional Dialogue on the future of Nigeria.

In March 2024, the Patriots said the present federal government should be encouraged to drop its constitutional amendment rituals for a more profound process of giving Nigeria a new democratic people’s constitution through an elected Constituent Assembly in resolving the myriads of political, economic and security challenges confronting the survival of Nigeria.

They said it was as a result of this popular consensus by Nigerian stakeholders that the leadership of the Patriots was compelled to embark on wide consultations with members of the Patriots, leaders of thought and other political stakeholders of Nigeria.

They said idea was to set up a broad-based pan-Nigerian advocacy team that would move round the country to mobilise Nigerians and further popularise the agenda for a democratic constitution that could further unite Nigeria

“Therefore, after due consultations, the National Secretariat of the Patriots wishes to announce the setting up of a pan Nigerian Advocacy Team of the Patriots on the Constitution Reforms of Nigeria.

The team included Prof Anthony Kila, Chairman; Senator Shehu Sanni, Co-Chair; Hajia Bilikisu Magoro, Vice Chairman; Dr Sam Amadi,  Member; Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, Member; Alhaji Shettima Yerima, Member; and Comrade Ene Obi, Member.

Also on the team were Dr Otive Igbuzor, Mr Samson Itodo, Madu Bright O. Alwell, Ms Ann Kio Briggs, Mr Fafa Dan Princewill, Mr Zaka Bala, Mr Kayode Samuel, Mr Chido Onumah, Affiong L Affiong – all members and Mr Salvation Alibor, the Under Secretary.

The statement added that, “The Committee will be expected to undertake advocacy visits to key stakeholders groups in country, including governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders and sectoral leaders of the Nigerian polity.”

It added that among others, they were “to seek their support and the buy-in of broad Nigerians for the renewed advocacy for a new democratic constitution for Nigeria in fostering the cohesion, stability and prosperity of Nigeria.”