Eminent Patriots Call for People-Driven Constitution and Restructuring to True Federalism.
A formidable coalition of elder statesmen, intellectuals, and civic leaders, operating under the umbrella of "Eminent Patriots of Nigeria" and convened by former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Dr. Emeka Anyaoku, has issued a powerful call for a fundamental overhaul of Nigeria's constitutional framework. The group, following a National Constitutional Summit, demanded the drafting of a new "people-driven, inclusive, democratic constitution" anchored on true federalism, emphasizing the need for a system that genuinely addresses Nigeria's plurality and diversity.
Central to their proposals is the urgent need to restructure the current six geopolitical zones, arguing that such a move is essential to promote the establishment of a truly federal system of government. The communiqué issued by the summit highlighted that "too much power is concentrated at the centre," particularly in the presidency, which discourages inter-institutional checks and balances and fosters autocratic tendencies. They advocated for a significant devolution of powers from the central government to the federating units, reminiscent of the First Republic's regional autonomy.
The Eminent Patriots also called upon the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organize elections for a Constituent Assembly. This assembly would be tasked with drafting the proposed new constitution, which would then be subjected to a national referendum before receiving presidential assent. This multi-stage process aims to ensure broad-based participation and legitimacy for the new foundational document, reflecting the aspirations of all Nigerians.
Furthermore, the summit deliberated on the cost-effectiveness of governance, recommending a more appropriate and less expensive system than the current two-chamber federal legislature. They also pushed for the separation of the roles of the Attorney-General of the Federation from that of the Minister of Justice at the federal level, and similar divisions at the state level, to enhance legal independence and accountability. This comprehensive set of demands underscores a deep desire for systemic reforms to set Nigeria on a path of sustainable stability and maximal development.
I'm Adedayo Obadina
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