During a meeting in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu assured a group of distinguished Nigerians, The Patriots, that he would examine their request to establish a national constituent assembly tasked with drafting a new constitution.
Emphasizing his current focus on economic reform for sustainable growth and development, President Tinubu mentioned that he will prioritize the revision of the constitution subsequently.
Receiving former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku and members of the group at the State House, President Tinubu affirmed, “I am currently preoccupied with economic reform. That is my first priority. Once this is in place, as soon as possible, I will look at other options, including constitutional review as recommended by you and other options.”
A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, outlined the outcome of the meeting and highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the Nigerian economy as a key priority while considering the request for a new constitution.
President Tinubu informed the delegation that they would be called for a more detailed discussion on their proposals.
He added, “I may have to some of you again to furnish me and discuss further details of your rich submissions.”
Stressing his commitment to a stable and prosperous Nigeria, President Tinubu assured the group that their request would be carefully reviewed.
In his address, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, representing The Patriots, urged the President to present an executive bill to the National Assembly, suggesting two measures for consideration.
These measures included convening a national constituent assembly, comprised of directly elected individuals on a non-political basis from each state and the FCT, to draft a democratic constitution for the people. Additionally, they proposed legislation for a national referendum to approve the draft constitution resulting from the constituent assembly.
Acknowledging these requests, President Tinubu commended The Patriots for their valuable contributions to national discourse.
Among the members of The Patriots present at the meeting were former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, former Minister of Information Mr. Labaran Maku, former Senator Shehu Sani, former Minister of Women Affairs Pauline Tallen, and Human Rights Lawyer Mike Ozekhome, among others.