Yakasai, Osoba, And Others Demand Urgent Constitutional Reforms In Meeting With National Assembly

This meeting will follow their previous discussion with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on August 9, 2024, where they reiterated the call for a constitutional overhaul. The group, which includes notable figures such as Ike Nwachukwu, Tanko Yakasai, Olusegun Osoba, and Alani Akinrinade, has been advocating for a more inclusive and representative constitution.

The Patriots argue that the current 1999 Constitution has failed the Nigerian people, contributing to widespread hardship, corruption, and insecurity. Their focus is on urging President Tinubu to convene a Constituent Assembly, allowing Nigerians from all regions to collaboratively draft a new constitution that reflects their collective will and needs.

In a statement marking the 20th memorial anniversary of the group’s founding chairman, FRA Williams, General Secretary Olawale Okunniyi emphasized their mission to the National Assembly. He stressed the need to amend Sections 8 and 9 of the 1999 Constitution to include provisions for a referendum or plebiscite, enabling Nigerians to demand changes to the constitution at any time.

Okunniyi condemned the current constitution as “warped” and “designed to benefit corruption,” claiming that only a small percentage of Nigerians profit from it. He called for the creation of a “people’s democratic constitution” that would address the country’s deep-rooted challenges, particularly for the poorest Nigerians.

The group also plans to launch zonal advocacy outreach programs in April, engaging traditional rulers, labor leaders, and other influential figures across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones. These efforts aim to gain broader support for a new constitution and foster discussions with key stakeholders across the country.

Okunniyi also criticized former President Goodluck Jonathan for failing to send the 2014 National Conference report to the National Assembly for a referendum. However, he remains optimistic that the 2014 report, along with earlier constitutions from 1963, 1979, 1989, and 1993, will serve as essential resources in drafting a new constitution.

At Wednesday’s memorial event, several prominent figures, including Prof. Anthony Kila, Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Fafa Dan-Princewill, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ezenwa, and Kayode Williams (son of FRA Williams), reaffirmed the group’s commitment to constitutional reform. Kayode Williams expressed confidence in the success of their movement, believing that President Tinubu supports true federalism.

The Patriots remain determined to reshape Nigeria’s constitutional framework, believing that a new, democratic constitution is key to resolving the country’s enduring issues.