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On August 10, 2024, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the leader of The Patriots, a group of eminent Nigerians along with several notable figures, met President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
This meeting was a continuation of the group’s advocacy for urgent reforms in the nation, particularly in light of the ongoing instability, insecurity, and economic challenges facing the nation.
The Patriots had earlier convened a colloquium in March 2024, and had jointly advocated the need for a new democratic constitution to address deep-rooted issues of political mistrust and national disunity.
Anyaoku, speaking for the group, emphasized the necessity of initiating a national dialogue on constitutional restructuring.
He said that such a dialogue would not only help resolve separatist agitations and insecurity but foster a sense of national cohesion.
The concerned elders urged the government to engage with the arrowheads of the recently concluded nationwide protests, and advocated a non-violent approach to managing civil unrest, including a call to refrain from using lethal force to subdue demonstrations.
Their recommendations reflect a broader concern for human rights and the need for the government to address the grievances of its citizens transparently and constructively.
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The group posited that the pervasive insecurity in the country was a symptom of a deeply rooted political malaise, one that has stifled economic productivity and prosperity.
They argued that without addressing the underlying issues of political distrust, exclusiveness, marginalization and lack of national cohesion, all the economic policies or reforms were likely to fail.
Anyaoku and his members called for a national constituent assembly composed of directly elected representatives from each state, tasked with drafting a new constitution that would reflect the will of the citizens. This proposed assembly should consider the recommendations from previous constitutional conferences and ensure that the new constitution is subjected to a national referendum for legitimacy.
President Tinubu acknowledged the importance of the Patriots’ proposals and promised to review their requests. He explained that while his administration’s immediate focus has been on economic reforms, he recognizes the need for constitutional review as part of a broader strategy for national healing and progress.
Tinubu’s engagement and his commitment to the requests of The Patriots strongly indicated a potential shift towards more inclusive governance, although it remains to be seen how quickly and effectively these proposals would be acted upon.
Other prominent members of body are Senator Ben Obi, Chief Simon Okeke, Madam Pauline Tallen, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, HE Labaran Maku, Barr. Abubakar Azara, Senator Shehu Sanni, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, Lady Ann Kio Briggs, HE Boni Haruna, Dr. Abdujalil Tafawa Balewa, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Prof. Anthony Kila, and Comrade Olawale Okunniyi, who served as the Secretary to the delegation.
The meeting demonstrated a critical moment in the nation’s political configuration, where the collective voices of eminent citizens was acknowledged in the discourse on governance and constitutional reform.
The Patriots’ insistence on a new constitution as a pathway to national unity and economic stability reflects a growing consensus among various stakeholders on the need for systemic change. As the country addresses protests ignited by economic hardship, the call for dialogue and reform has never been more urgent.
Credible News. ng
