On Friday, President Bola Tinubu welcomed The Patriots, a distinguished group of Nigerian leaders, at the State House in Abuja. The meeting underscored the administration’s commitment to steering the nation towards sustainable economic growth and development, with a significant focus on constitutional reform.
During the session, President Tinubu affirmed that the administration is prioritizing economic revitalization as a cornerstone of its governance. He also addressed the group’s proposal to convene a national constituent assembly aimed at drafting a new constitution, signaling his openness to reviewing their request.
The Patriots, led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the former Commonwealth Secretary-General, presented a detailed appeal. Chief Anyaoku proposed that the President submit an executive bill to the National Assembly. This bill would seek to establish a constituent assembly composed of directly elected representatives from each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The assembly would be supported by a team of constitutional lawyers from each geopolitical zone and the FCT.
The group’s proposal emphasized that the new constitution should draw from historical documents, including the 1960/63 constitutions and the recommendations from various national conferences, including the 2014 National Conference. Furthermore, they advocated for a national plebiscite to validate the draft constitution produced by the assembly.
In response, President Tinubu expressed deep respect for The Patriots and their contributions to national discourse. He acknowledged their role in reflecting the aspirations of the Nigerian people and pledged to consider their recommendations earnestly.
“I have listened carefully to your proposals. This is a group whose voice cannot be ignored, reflecting the heart of our society. I appreciate your efforts and the challenges you have highlighted,” President Tinubu remarked. He recognized the complexities of managing democratic governance and assured that the administration is committed to addressing the nation’s diverse needs through effective governance.
The President also highlighted the long-standing call for constitutional reforms and noted the examples of pluralistic countries like Canada and India, which have successfully managed their diversity through constitutional measures.
“I am currently focused on economic reforms, which is my top priority. Once these reforms are in place, I will turn my attention to other issues, including the potential for constitutional review as suggested by The Patriots,” President Tinubu stated.
In conclusion, President Tinubu paid tribute to the founding chairman of The Patriots, Chief Rotimi Williams, SAN, and his successor, Professor Ben Nwabueze, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the movement.
This meeting represents a significant step in ongoing discussions about Nigeria’s constitutional future, reflecting a collaborative approach to addressing the nation’s pressing issues and aspirations.
