During a meeting with a group of distinguished Nigerians known as The Patriots, President Bola Tinubu indicated his willingness to consider their proposal to establish a national constituent assembly tasked with drafting a new constitution.
While acknowledging the importance of the constitutional review, Tinubu emphasized that his primary focus at present is revitalizing the economy to ensure sustainable growth and development.
The President assured the group, led by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, that he will explore the possibility of engaging in a constitutional review once economic reforms are in place.
In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the outcome of the meeting was highlighted under the title ‘President Tinubu receives patriots group, underscores importance of strengthening Nigeria’s economy while considering request for new constitution.’
During the meeting, Tinubu mentioned that the group will be invited again for a more detailed discussion on their proposals.
He expressed his commitment to carefully review their recommendations, believing in their shared vision of a stable and prosperous Nigeria.
In his address, Anyaoku made appeals on behalf of The Patriots, urging the President to introduce an executive bill to the National Assembly outlining two key measures.
These measures include the establishment of a national constituent assembly responsible for drafting a democratic constitution by elected individuals from each state and the FCT, as well as legislation for a national referendum to validate the proposed draft constitution.
Tinubu commended The Patriots for their valuable contributions to national discussions and pledged to further engage with them on the specifics of their proposals.
Among the members of The Patriots present at the meeting were prominent figures such as former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, ex-Minister of Information Labaran Maku, former Kaduna central district senator Shehu Sani, former Minister of Women Affairs Pauline Tallen, and Human Rights Lawyer Mike Ozekhome, among others.