- Chief Anyaoku advocated for a national plebiscite to ratify the draft constitution produced by the constituent assembly
President Bola Tinubu has pledged to review the request for drafting a new constitution, as proposed by a group of eminent Nigerians known as ‘The Patriots.’ The group, led by former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, made this request during a visit to the President in Abuja on Friday.
During the meeting, President Tinubu emphasized that retooling the economy for sustainable growth and development remains a primary focus of his administration. However, he also assured the group that their proposal for convening a national constituent assembly, tasked with drafting a new constitution, will be thoroughly reviewed.
Chief Anyaoku, speaking on behalf of ‘The Patriots,’ urged the President to consider sending an executive bill to the National Assembly. The bill would propose two key measures: the convening of a national constituent assembly composed of directly elected representatives from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the involvement of constitutional lawyers from each geopolitical zone and the FCT to assist in drafting the new constitution. Anyaoku suggested that the assembly’s deliberations should incorporate the 1960/63 constitutions, recommendations from the 2014 National Conference, and findings from previous national constitutional discussions.
Furthermore, Chief Anyaoku advocated for a national plebiscite to ratify the draft constitution produced by the constituent assembly, ensuring that it reflects the will of the Nigerian people. He proposed that, following approval in a referendum, the draft should be signed by the President, solidifying it as the genuine constitution of the Nigerian people.
In response, President Tinubu expressed his deep respect for ‘The Patriots’ and their ongoing contributions to national discourse. He acknowledged the challenges of democratic governance in a diverse nation like Nigeria and underscored his commitment to upholding unity and good governance.
“I have listened to you carefully, and this is not a group that I can ignore. This is a group of patriots reflecting the heart and aspirations of society. I thank all of you for being here,” the President said.
President Tinubu further noted that while economic reform is his current priority, he recognizes the importance of addressing the longstanding issue of constitutional reform in Nigeria. He acknowledged the examples provided by ‘The Patriots’ of other pluralistic countries, such as Canada and India, that have successfully maintained unity through inclusive and adaptable constitutions.
“The avoidance of chaos is necessary to build this country and move its aspirations forward for the benefit of all of us,” Tinubu remarked.
The President paid tribute to the founding members of ‘The Patriots,’ including Chief Rotimi Williams, SAN, and Professor Ben Nwabueze, praising their dedication to Nigeria’s unity and governance. He assured Chief Anyaoku that he would be invited for further discussions on the group’s proposals and reiterated his commitment to considering constitutional reforms that would promote stability and prosperity in Nigeria.
Chief Anyaoku expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to lead this constitutional transformation, citing his history as a staunch advocate for democracy in Nigeria. He mentioned that ‘The Patriots’ had organized a well-attended colloquium in March 2024, where it was unanimously agreed that Nigeria requires a new people’s constitution.