A group of prominent Nigerians known as The Patriots is set to engage with the leadership of the National Assembly in April as part of their ongoing push for a new people-driven Nigerian Constitution. The group, led by former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, believes that a new constitution is necessary to address the country’s pressing challenges.
The scheduled meeting follows an earlier engagement with President Bola Tinubu on August 9, 2024, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. During that meeting, The Patriots urged the President to convene a Constituent Assembly where Nigerians from all regions could negotiate a constitution that truly represents their interests.
The group includes notable figures such as Tanko Yakasai, Olusegun Osoba, Alani Akinrinade, Ike Nwachukwu, Idika Kalu, Obiageli Ezekwesili, Philip Asiodu, Pat Utomi, Solomon Asemota (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Obong Attah, Anthony Kila, and Labaran Maku, among others.
Speaking at the 20th memorial anniversary of their founding chairman, Chief FRA Williams, in Lagos, the General Secretary of The Patriots, Mr. Olawale Okunniyi, explained their main demand to lawmakers: amending Sections 8 and 9 of the 1999 Constitution to include a provision for a Referendum/Plebiscite. This would allow Nigerians to initiate changes to the Constitution when necessary.
“On August 9, 2024, we met with President Bola Tinubu where we stressed that there is need to replace the 1999 Constitution which has impeded our progress as a nation,” Okunniyi said.
He further stated that the current Constitution is deeply flawed, benefiting only a small fraction of Nigerians while allowing corruption to thrive.
“Our next plan is to meet with the leadership of the National Assembly. We have made contact with them, and the meeting will happen in April. We may meet the Senate and House of Representatives jointly or separately, but it will happen on the same day,” Okunniyi said.
Aside from their engagement with lawmakers, The Patriots intend to expand their advocacy efforts across the country. Okunniyi revealed that in April, they will begin zonal outreach programs, meeting with traditional rulers, influential leaders from different regions, and labour unions.
The group also criticized former President Goodluck Jonathan for failing to submit the 2014 National Conference report as a bill to the National Assembly, which could have led to a referendum on the recommendations. However, Okunniyi noted that the 2014 Confab report, along with the 1963, 1979, 1989, and 1993 Constitutions, would serve as reference materials when drafting a new Constitution.
During the event, several supporters of The Patriots reaffirmed their commitment to the cause. Kayode Williams, son of the late FRA Williams, expressed confidence that their push for a new Constitution would eventually succeed. Another member of the Williams family, Folarin, also stressed the importance of restructuring the country to ensure true federalism.
