PATRIOTS NATIONAL SUMMIT CALLS FOR NEW CONSTITUTION TO ADDRESS NIGERIA’S CHALLENGES
The Patriots National Summit has kicked off in Abuja, with calls for a new constitution to address the country’s numerous challenges. The summit, organized by the Patriots and the Nigerian Political Summit Group, brought together leaders of thought, representatives of socio-cultural groups, and stakeholders from various sectors. In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Patriots, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, highlighted the need for a new constitution that would promote unity, good governance, and national development. “Nigeria is a pluralistic country, and its constitution must address its pluralism by being formulated by elected representatives of its diverse peoples,” he said. Anyaoku noted that the current constitution, imposed by the military in 1999, has failed to deliver good governance and has instead induced over-expenditure of the country’s resources on administration rather than capital development. He called for a new constitution that would be democratically made by the Nigerian people and would promote inclusivity, equity, and justice. In a goodwill message, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Arc. Victor Attah, commended the Patriots for convening the summit. He emphasized the need for a new constitution that would restore sovereignty to the people and promote true federalism. “The 1999 Constitution was not a people’s constitution,” he said. “It was a military decree, imposed without the consent of the people.” Attah called for a constitution that would guarantee maximum autonomy to the federating units and promote accountability, transparency, and inclusivity. He also emphasized the need for electoral and judicial reforms to ensure that the country’s democracy is functional and effective. The summit, which will hold for two days, will deliberate on key issues, including the structure of the Nigerian Federation, resource control, and fiscal federalism. The organizers hope that the summit will produce recommendations on the key elements of a new constitution and the process of its actualization. In his welcome address, the Co-Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Sen. Otunba Gbenga Daniel, emphasized the importance of the summit in shaping the country’s future. “This summit is a citizen-driven constitutional intervention, stemming from months and even years of relentless advocacy, extensive consultations, and a growing sense of public urgency,” he said. The summit aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss the country’s challenges and propose solutions. It is expected to produce a communique that will be presented to the government and the National Assembly for consideration.