Constitution Reforms: Emeka Anyaoku, The Patriots embark on nationwide advocacy
The Patriots, a group of eminent leaders of thought in Nigeria chaired by a former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, on Wednesday announced launch of a nationwide advocacy for new constitution.
The Patriots in a statement by the Secretary, Mr Salvation Alibor, in Lagos, said that the advocacy was for mobilisation towards the actualisation of a new democratic people’s constitution for Nigeria by the current federal administration in Nigeria.
Alibor said that Prof. Anthony Kila, Sen. Shehu Sanni, Bilikisu Magoro others would lead the advocacy team.
According to him, the group will engage governors, leaders of Thought and political stakeholders nationwide.
Alibor said: “The Patriots’ nationwide advocacy and mobilisation for a new democratic people’s constitution for Nigeria has become imperative.
“This follows the consensus reached by leaders of thought and eminent political stakeholders who converged at the national Constitutional Dialogue on the future of Nigeria, hosted by The Patriots in March 2024.
“The stakeholders agreed that 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.
“This should be through an elected Constituent Assembly in resolving the myriads of political, economic and security challenges confronting the survival of Nigeria.”
He said that it was to the end 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.
Alibor said that the group would 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 can 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,” he said.
He said that Prof Anthony Kila would serve as the Chairman; Sen. Shehu Sanni as the Co- Chairman and Hajia Bilikisu Magoro, as the Vice Chairman.
Alibor said membership of the team were Dr Sam Amadi, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, Comrade Ene Obi, Dr Otive Igbuzor, Mr Samson Itodo, Madu Bright O. Alwell, and Ms Ann Kio Briggs.
Other members included Mr Fafa Dan Princewill, Mr Zaka Bala, Mr Kayode Samuel, Mr Chido Onumah, Mr Affiong L Affiong while Mr Salvation Alibor would serve as under secretary.
“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 among others.
“The aim is 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,” he said.
