President Bola Tinubu promised Nigerians that he would look into fixing the 1999 Constitution after he steadies the economy.
Tinubu said this when The Patriots, a group of important Nigerians, visited him at the State House in Abuja.
This was shared in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Adviser, on August 9, 2024.
Request for Constitution Review, Referendum
The Patriots, led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, want the Constitution to be reviewed. Chief Emeka is a former Commonwealth Secretary-General.
The group has people from different parts of Nigeria and experts in law, like Kanu Agabi (SAN) and Mike Ozekhome (SAN).
In the statement, Chief Anyaoku asked the President to fix the Constitution, saying it would help solve Nigeria’s problems.
Chief Anyaoku said:
“A national assembly should be made to draft a new democratic Constitution. This assembly should have elected people from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT (Federal Capital Territory). There should also be seven lawyers to help them.”
“They should look at past constitutions and conferences to make the new one. Once done, all Nigerians should vote on it. If approved, the President should sign it as the official Constitution of Nigeria.”
President Tinubu’s Response:
The President said that The Patriots’ request is important and he will think about it.
He explained that fixing the economy is his main focus right now. However, he promised to consider the Constitution review once economic reforms show results.
Tinubu said:
“I believe in a united Nigeria. I want to make sure that everyone is happy and that the government works well for all. I do not want chaos; I want to build a better country for everyone.”
“For now, I am focused on fixing the economy. After that, I will look at other important issues, like the Constitution review.”
What You Should Know:
- The 1999 Constitution is the most important law document in Nigeria.
- Any law that goes against the 1999 Constitution is usually removed by the courts.
- Many people want the Constitution reviewed because they think it was made by military leaders without the people’s input.