Good Governance: Patriots push for a new constitution

The Patriots, a coalition of elder statesmen, political leaders, civil society and regional interest groups in collaboration with the Nigerian Political Summit Group (NPSG), have called for the drafting of a new constitution.

This demand was made during a National Constitutional Summit put together by the coalition, which commenced on Wednesday in Abuja. They argued that the new document will recognize the nation’s pluralism and address deep-rooted issues of governance, equity, and national unity.

Setting the tone for the discussion, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and Chairman of The Patriots, described the 1999 Constitution as a document the military-imposed on citizens, which has failed to deliver a true federal system and inspire a sense of shared ownership among Nigerians. He argued that the country’s pluralistic nature requires a constitution made by the people, through elected representatives, and ratified by a referendum.

Anyaoku decried widespread insecurity, economic hardship, and the erosion of national unity, insisting that the current 36-state structure cannot replicate the early successes of Nigeria’s post-independence federalism.

“Our present 1999 Constitution was imposed by the military and not democratically formulated. It induces excessive administrative costs and weakens development. Nigeria needs a credible, truly federal constitution formulated by its people,” Anyaoku declared.

In his goodwill message, former President Olusegun Obasanjo agreed with the need for constitutional reform but emphasized that the real problem lies with the operators of the Constitution not on the document itself. He explained that no constitution, no matter how perfect, would yield positive results if implemented by corrupt or incompetent leaders.

“No matter what you do to the Nigerian Constitution, if the operators remain the same, the welfare of Nigerians will continue to suffer. The real issue is the failure of leadership, not just the flaws of the Constitution,” he argued.

Also in their separate remarks, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Co-Chairman of the Organizing Committee and former governor of Ogun State, described the 1999 Constitution as “consistently inadequate” in addressing governance, inclusion, and cohesion. He emphasized the importance of a citizen-driven constitutional intervention to rebuild public trust.

Obong Victor Attah, former governor of Akwa Ibom State, delivered a scathing critique of the current political system, calling it “elite authoritarianism” rather than true democracy. He argued that the 1999 Constitution was not a people’s document but a military decree that has fostered systemic impunity.

“We run a democracy where elections are not decided by ballots but by undemocratic means. Power flows from party barons, not the people. This is not democracy. It’s elite authoritarianism,” Attah stated.

Ambassador Godknows Igali, chairman of The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF),in his submission recommended a return to the principles of the 1963 Constitution. PANDEF advocated for resource control, state policing, rotational presidency, a unicameral legislature, and increased derivation to producing states.

“The 1999 Constitution contains several flaws. We need a workable Constitution, freely negotiated under democratic conditions,” PANDEF emphasized, calling for decentralization of power and fiscal autonomy for federating units.

The Afenifere group, represented by Oba Oladipo Olaitan and Chief Femi Okurounmu, stressed the need for a balanced federal structure and backed the adoption of the 2014 National Conference Report as a working document.

Ohaneze Ndigbo, represented by Okey Nwadinobi, called for the creation of an additional state in the South East to correct structural imbalance and advocated for state police due to the overstretched federal security apparatus.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in a message delivered by Benson Upah, argued that Nigeria’s sovereignty and collective wellbeing are too important to be left solely in the hands of politicians. He urged self-reflection among citizens and leaders alike.

Ambassador (Dr.) O. Awolọwọ Dosumu, who represented Obafemi Awolowo Foundation, called for urgent action on the outcomes of the summit, emphasizing that federalism—once embraced by Nigeria’s founding fathers—remains the most suitable path to unity and prosperity.

“As Chief Awolowo once said, only a federal constitution can foster unity with concord. This summit must be a turning point,” she noted.

Some of the attendees include: General Ike Nwachukwu, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Barr. Femi Falana (SAN), Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Iyom Josephine Anenih, Chief Wole Olanipekun, and many more.