The Patriots, a group of eminent of Nigerians says a new constitution that will reflect the wish of the people is a must to avert total disintegration of the country.
The Patriots stated this in a statement it issued at the end of the formal inauguration of the Advocacy Committee of The Patriots towards the actualisation of a People’s Constitution for Nigeria.
The event took place on Monday, 26th August, 2024 at the FRA Williams Chambers, Ilupeju, Lagos.
The statement signed by Olawale Okunniyi , General Secretary,
The Patriots, was a response from to those who have commented that what Nigeria needs is a change in the attitude and character of the politicians who operate our existing constitution rather than a change of the constitution itself.
However, The Patriots, insisted that a new constitution that will guarantee true federalism is what is needed in Nigeria now.
The statement reads thus : “First, we believe that even if the wisest and best leaders on earth were sent to govern Nigeria with its present constitution, they would not be able to tackle effectively the serious challenges facing the country.
“It is generally accepted that our country is currently under-performing in most aspects of its existence.
“There is insecurity of life and property fuelled by the activities of kidnappers, bandits and so called unknown gunmen.
“The economy is in the doldrums resulting in unprecedented mass poverty and hunger.
“The quality of education and health facilities has indisputably declined.
“The infrastructures have largely continued to dilapidate.
“There is what one foreign leader has described as fantastic corruption in the land.
“And above all, there is a growing culture of divisiveness and hate which undermines the sense of national unity.
“Altogether, the current situation in our country is driving our young people and even professionals to “japa” ie to seek greener pastures abroad.
“We appreciate the reasons for Mr President’s prioritization of dealing with the economic challenge but we consider that a democratic people’s constitution will more assuredly facilitate the country’s pursuit of a more productive economy which will be more beneficial to the citizens.
“The truly federal constitution negotiated and agreed by Nigeria’s founding fathers of Nigeria served the country relatively well in the early years of its independence before the intervention of the military in governance which brought with it a constitutional practice that is in accordance with the command structure of the military.
“The 1960/63 constitution gave the country more viable federating units (regions) that mostly took care of their internal security and economic development that focused on productivity.
“Without increase in productivity the national economy can never improve.
“The 1960/63 constitution enabled each federating region to give appreciable focus on education, provision of health facilities, infrastructural development, and on a healthy competition in socio-economic development which encouraged the growth of a sense of national unity.
“Our present constitution determines the quasi-federal governance system which from experience impedes the country’s deserved pace of development and facilitates corruption and degradation of our societal values.
“A truly federal constitution is therefore a Must if we are to effectively deal with the challenges currently confronting our country, if our politicians and leaders are to rediscover the ethical values of service which our founding fathers demonstrated, and more importantly, if our pluralistic Nigeria is to become prosperous and survive as one political entity in the long term.
“We therefore wish to restate our call on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to, as a matter of urgency, initiate steps to giving the country a new democratic people’s constitution.’
Members of the newly Inaugurated Patriots’ Strategy & Advocacy Committee :
1. Prof Anthony Kila – Chairman
2. Senator Shehu Sanni – Co – Chair
3. Barr Tokunbo Rotimi Williams
4. Alhaji Shettima Yerima
5. Obongawan Barbara Etim James
6. Deacon Chris Iyovwaye
7. Mrs Ene Obi
8. Barr Abubakar Azara
9. Ms Ann Kio Briggs
10. Barr Monday Ubani, SAN
11. Mr Samson Itodo
12. Dr Olu Wilson Usim
13. Dr Helen Adebakin
14. Comrade Hauwa Mustapha
15. Mr Fafa Dan Princewill
16. Engr Bala Zakka
17. Mr Kayode Samuel
18. Hon Aina Oke Aare
19. Comrade Chukwudum Malizu
20. Mr Denzil Kentebe
21. Barr Affixing L Affixing
22. Mr Madu Bright All well
23. Barr Ejiro Ernest Ofoye
24. Dr John Dara
25. Prof Remi Sonaiya
26. Barr Joe Atueyi
27. Dr Chidi Onumah
28. Dr Sina Fagbenro Byron
29. Barr Malachy Ugwumadu
30. Mr Salvation Alibor – Under Secretary
31. Dr Bilikisu Magoro – Secretary while Advisors are Dr Oby Ezekwesili ,
Mr Labaran Maku , Prof Bolaji Aluko ,
Amb Nkoyo Toyo and Prof Okey Ikechukwu. (vitalnewsngr.com)
