In its ongoing quest for a new people’s democratic Nigerian Constitution, The Patriots—led by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku—are set to meet with the leadership of the National Assembly this April. This scheduled engagement with both the Senate and the House of Representatives follows a meeting held on August 9, 2024, with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The Patriots, comprising eminent Nigerians such as Ike Nwachukwu, Tanko Yakasai, Olusegun Osoba, Alani Akinrinade, Anya O. Anya, Idika Kalu, and Obiageli Ezekwesili—as well as Philip Asiodu, Pat Utomi, Solomon Asemota (SAN), Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Obong Attah, Anthony Kila, and Labaran Maku—are urging the President to convene a Constituent Assembly. They argue that a new constitution negotiated by Nigerians from all parts of the country is the key to addressing issues of hardship, corruption, and insecurity.
At the 20th memorial anniversary of their founding chairman, Chief FRA Williams, held at the FRA Williams Chambers in Lagos, The Patriots reiterated their demand for change. General Secretary Olawale Okunniyi emphasized the need to amend Sections 8 and 9 of the 1999 Constitution to include a referendum clause. This clause would allow Nigerians to demand constitutional changes whenever they see fit.
Okunniyi highlighted shortcomings in the 2014 National Conference process, arguing that a proper referendum should have determined its membership composition. “The current Constitution is warped and supports corruption. Only two percent of Nigerians are truly benefiting from it. We need a Constitution that works for everyone, especially the poorest of the poor,” he said.
Following the meeting with the National Assembly, The Patriots plan to launch zonal outreach programs in April, targeting traditional rulers, influential geopolitical leaders, and labour leaders to broaden their support for constitutional reform. The group also referenced historical constitutional documents—including the 1963, 1979, 1989, and 1993 Constitutions, as well as the 2014 Confab report—as working frameworks for the upcoming Constituent Assembly.
At the memorial event, voices like Prof Anthony Kila, Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, Fafa Dan-Princewill, Mrs Ifeyinwa Ezenwa, and Kayode Williams—son of the late FRA Williams—expressed confidence that their agitation will lead to genuine federalism and a new constitutional era in Nigeria.
