According to the group, the country needs a new constitution to solve its current political and socioeconomic challenges.
A former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Emeka Anyaoku, Senator Shehu Sani and some other prominent Nigerians under a platform called ‘The Patriots’ have launched a nationwide mobilisation team to demand the enactment of a new democratic constitution in the country.
This was disclosed in a press release issued on Tuesday signed by Salvation Alibor via Patriots Secretariat.
It stated that the call for a new constitution was passed after a resolution was made at the national constitutional dialogue on the future of Nigeria, hosted by The Patriots in March 2024.
According to the group, the country needs a new constitution to solve its current political and socioeconomic challenges.
The group said the 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 Nigeria.
It said: “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 Sani - 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, Mr Zaka Bala - Member, Mr Kayode Samuel - Member, Mr Chido Onumah - Member, Barr Affiong L Affiong - Member, Mr Salvation Alibor - Under Secretary
“The Committee will be expected to undertake advocacy visits to key stakeholder groups in the 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.”