Why The Patriots Demand A New Constitution

Why The Patriots Demand A New Constitution

The Patriots, a coalition of prominent Nigerians and elder statesmen, have reiterated their call for a new constitution as a necessary step for the country’s progress…… CONTINUE READING 

In response to concerns about their recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu on August 9, the group, led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, argued that the 1999 constitution is too fundamentally flawed to be salvaged through amendments. They believe a new foundational document is essential to address these deep-seated issues.

Aligning with Mallam Tanko Yakassai’s call for extensive consultations on creating a genuinely federal constitution, The Patriots proposed a combination of elements from the 1963 constitution and recent recommendations to craft a new framework.

In a statement from Secretary Comrade Wale Okunniyi, the group explained that their proposal to the President was the result of extensive consultations, including a National Dialogue (Colloquium) held in March 2024. This dialogue, which involved participants from across the nation, concluded that a new constitution was crucial to overcoming the flaws of the existing military-imposed constitution, which has hindered good governance and stability.

The Patriots noted that Mallam Yakassai could not attend the colloquium despite prior consultations with their Secretariat. They called on Nigerians to freely share their opinions on the proposed constitutional conference, emphasizing that the current constitution’s flaws create significant governance and unity challenges.

The group highlighted the widespread recognition of Nigeria’s leadership deficit and the lack of commitment to national sacrifice. They argue that these issues stem from the fundamental flaws in the 1999 constitution rather than solely from the conduct of its operators. The Patriots believe that addressing these constitutional flaws is vital for the country’s unity, stability, and development.

They suggested that the 1963 Republican Constitution and the recommendations from the 2014 National Constitutional Conference could provide a foundation for a new federal constitution. Such a constitution should be negotiated by all Nigerians and approved through a referendum, reflecting democratic practices observed globally.

The Patriots dismissed arguments that the current constitution is adequate and attributed Nigeria’s challenges to both the constitution’s flaws and its operators. They maintained that a new democratic constitution would foster patriotic values and enhance governance, urging a robust and untainted national debate on this critical issue.

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