Amid Amendment, Anyaoku-Led Group Calls for New Constitution: Key Takeaways from National Constitutional Dialogue

Amid ongoing discussions about amending the 1999 Constitution, a group of eminent Nigerian leaders of thought led by former Commonwealth secretary-general Chief Emeka Anyaoku has called for the creation of a new democratic people’s constitution.

The group, known as the Patriots, hosted a National Constitutional Dialogue in Lagos to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 2014 National Confab in honor of the late Professor Ben Nwabueze.

During the dialogue, the group concluded that the prevailing 1999 Constitution fosters politics of alienation and increasing appetite for state capture, leading to disenchantment across the country.

They also asserted that the constitution lacks legitimacy due to its flawed origin, and it cannot be acquired from any number of amendments.

The Patriots’ communique stated that the 2014 National Conference and the 1963 Republican Constitution of Nigeria are generally acceptable national documents that can serve as platforms for popular deliberations and consensual recommendations towards a new democratic people’s constitution.

They proposed that an inclusive team be set up to engage the Nigerian people, the Presidency, and the National Assembly to gain their support for this initiative.

The dialogue resolved that, in order to move forward with the renewed advocacy for a new democratic constitution, the following consensual conclusions and recommendations should be submitted to the Presidency and the National Assembly:

Genuine commitment to ending the culture of political impunity, which engenders corruption and undermines competence and patriotism.

Urgent holistic appraisal of the security situation in Nigeria to ensure decisive and robust intervention in the pervasive insecurity.

Reform of existing security infrastructure, including the creation of state police and localization of Police command structure for inclusive participation in community and neighborhood security.

Reconfiguration of the country’s governance system and structure to address the imbalance in the existing federalism, guaranteeing fiscal responsibility and accountability.

Strengthening of existing democratic institutions to safeguard democracy, pro-people governance, and political accountability.

Deepening of democracy and governance at the grassroots for a sense of belonging among the Nigerian stakeholders.

The National Constitutional Dialogue, 2024, was attended by prominent Nigerian leaders, including former governors, serving and former lawmakers, traditional rulers, constitutional lawyers, delegates to previous Constitutional Confabs, and other members of the Nigerian public.

The event focused on the prospects of a new democratic people’s constitution and a prosperous future for Nigeria.