In an effort to actualise a new people’s constitution for Nigeria, The Patriots, a group of eminent leaders of thought in the country under the leadership of former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has announced the launch of a nationwide mobilisation and advocacy.
A statement on Tuesday signed by Salvation Alibor on behalf of The Patriots secretariat stated that the group will engage governors, leaders of thought and political stakeholders across the country.
The statement reads, “The Patriots’ nationwide advocacy and mobilisation for a new democratic people’s constitution for Nigeria has become imperative following the consensus reached by leaders of thought and eminent political stakeholders who converged on the national constitutional dialogue on the future of Nigeria, hosted by The Patriots in March 2024, 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 through an elected Constituent Assembly in resolving the myriads of political, economic and security challenges confronting the survival of Nigeria.
“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 in setting up a broad based pan Nigerian advocacy team that will 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 as follows: Prof Anthony Kila, Chairman; Senator Shehu Sanni, Co- Chair; Hajia Bilikisu Magoro, Vice Chairman; Dr. Sam Amadi, member; Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, member; Alhaji Shettima Yerima, member; Comrade Ene Obi, member; Dr. Otive Igbuzor, member; Mr. Samson Itodo, member; Madu Bright O. Alwell, member; Ms. Ann Kio Briggs, member; Mr. Fafa Dan Princewill, member; Mr. Zaka Bala, member; Mr. Kayode Samuel, member; Mr. Chido Onumah, member; Barr. Affiong L Affiong, member, and Mr. Salvation Alibor, Under Secretary.
Alibor added, “The committee will be expected to undertake advocacy visits to key stakeholder groups in country, including governors, traditional rulers, religious leaders and sectoral leaders of the Nigerian polity, among others, 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.”