In a landmark gathering aimed at addressing Nigeria’s long-standing constitutional and security challenges, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, alongside Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, are spearheading efforts to forge a new constitution that promises to empower Nigerians, strengthen institutions, and promote electoral justice. The National Constitutional Summit, hosted by The Patriots in partnership with the Nigerian Political Summit Group (NPSG), started on July 15 and will continue until July 17 at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
The conference is led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Commonwealth Secretary-General and Chairman of The Patriots, who underlined the urgent need for a constitutional framework that recognizes Nigeria’s diversity and solves its political and security issues. The event has drawn a broad variety of attendees, including state governors, traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, ethnic nationality movements, and important personalities throughout Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Besides Obasanjo, Jonathan, and Soyinka, other notable attendees include General T.Y. Danjuma, Mallam Tanko Yakassai, Professor Ango Abdullahi, Chief Olu Falae, General Ike Nwachukwu, Chief Afe Babalola, Bishop Matthew Kukah, and representatives of major ethnic and regional groups such as the Arewa Consultative Forum, Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum, Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, and PANDEF.
The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, made a special lecture outlining the significant security problems confronting Nigeria, stressing the inescapable relationship between constitutional change and national stability.
The summit’s subject, “Actualising a Constitutional Democracy That Works for All in Nigeria,” represents a common determination to address the deep-seated ethnic, political, and institutional problems that have hampered Nigeria’s democratic growth. The summit intends to overcome obstacles to cohesiveness and effective administration by creating national agreement, particularly among the Nigerian elite, on the constitutional future of the country.
Comprehensive constitutional revision to address structural inequities and promote inclusion.
Strengthening democratic institutions to guarantee accountability and transparency.
Electoral changes to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.
Addressing security concerns via constitutional and policy solutions.
Enhancing the role of traditional and religious organizations in government.
A high-powered commission representing Nigeria’s ethnic groupings is entrusted with solving complicated constitutional challenges and suggesting urgent political changes. The summit also celebrates the memory of the late Professor Ben Nwabueze, a distinguished constitutional scholar and champion for national discussion.
Former Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan are slated to give their perspectives on Nigeria’s constitutional path, drawing on their significant leadership experiences. Their presence signifies a rare moment of solidarity among prior leaders dedicated to crafting a more functioning and fair constitutional structure.
Professor Wole Soyinka, a Nobel Laureate and longstanding campaigner for human rights and good governance, is scheduled to deliver crucial insights on the role of civil society and intellectual leadership in constitutional change.
Other notable figures, including General Yakubu Gowon (pending confirmation) and General Abdulsalami Abubakar (currently overseas), are also anticipated to participate in the conversation, enhancing the summit with their insights on Nigeria’s political progress.
One of the summit’s most important outputs will be a stakeholders’ legislative bill reflecting the collective expertise of attendees. This bill will be presented to the National Assembly as a comprehensive proposal for constitutional change, intending to establish a clear blueprint for Nigeria’s future prosperity and stability.
The summit’s organizing committee, formed by Senators Aminu Tambuwal and Gbenga Daniel, has been rallying wide support from state governors, thought leaders, and government officials to guarantee the success of the constitutional confab.
After the summit on July 17, the leadership team will officially deliver the report and the draft constitutional measure to the President and the National Assembly, requesting federal government support and legislative action.
The conference came at a difficult point for Nigeria, contending with continuous security threats, political instability, and institutional deficiencies. The National Security Adviser’s presentation underscored the importance of constitutional changes as basic to resolving these problems successfully.
The summit understands that without a solid constitutional framework that ensures equality, justice, and effective governance, Nigeria’s security and democratic ambitions remain fragile.
The summit has garnered enormous attention both inside Nigeria and among foreign observers, who perceive it as an important step toward national healing and democratic consolidation. The inclusion of respectable personalities like Obasanjo, Jonathan, and Soyinka offers the process enormous legitimacy and moral authority.
Nigeria’s constitutional history has been distinguished by numerous changes, military interventions, and controversial democratic transitions. Previous initiatives at constitutional change, notably the 2014 National Conference started by former President Jonathan, laid a crucial foundation but fell short of offering enduring answers.
This summit attempts to expand on earlier efforts by establishing a more inclusive, transparent, and action-oriented approach. By involving a wide range of Nigerian society, it aspires to generate a constitution that properly represents the country’s complicated reality and ambitions.
The National Constitutional Summit is a key moment in Nigeria’s search for a constitutional democracy that works for all its inhabitants. With the leadership of former Presidents Obasanjo and Jonathan, the intellectual contributions of Professor Soyinka, and the joint efforts of numerous stakeholders, the summit hopes to chart a new direction for Nigeria’s political and security future.
The results of this summit, notably the proposed legislative bill for constitutional revision, might redefine Nigeria’s governance structures, increase national unity, and strengthen democratic institutions. The country now awaits the summit’s final report and the government’s reaction, optimistic that this historic discussion will usher in an age of stability, fairness, and inclusive growth.
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