Group seeks new constitution, return to regional parliamentary system

By Kunle Sanni –

A coalition of elder statesmen, academics, and civil society leaders under the Eminent Patriots of Nigeria has called for a complete overhaul of the nation’s constitutional structure, including a return to regional autonomy reminiscent of the First Republic.

At the National Constitutional Summit held in Abuja, the group rejected the 1999 Constitution (as amended), describing it as a military-imposed document that no longer reflects the aspirations of Nigerians.

Chaired by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the summit unveiled a draft constitution and proposed a roadmap towards a more democratic system. Key among the proposals was the creation of a Constituent Assembly composed of elected, non-partisan delegates and representatives of various interest groups.

Legal scholars Prof. Maxwell Gidado and Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), in their joint presentation, said the new structure would grant full autonomy to federating units, similar to the regional system of the First Republic.

They emphasized the need for a truly federal framework, where states control their internal affairs, aligning with practices in other democracies.

The Patriots urged President Bola Tinubu to initiate an Executive Bill empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections into the proposed Constituent Assembly.

According to the summit, the new constitution would be subjected to a national referendum before being sent to the National Assembly for formal adoption.

Delegates also condemned the current presidential system, labeling it costly, prone to abuse, and disconnected from citizens’ needs. They recommended a shift toward a more efficient and inclusive system of government.