Delegates and key stakeholders from the South West region of Nigeria are set to meet in Lagos this week to prepare for the upcoming National Political Summit on a New Constitution for Nigeria.
The summit is being organised by The Patriots, a group of respected Nigerians led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku.
Earlier this month, the group announced plans for a National Political Summit focused on Nigeria’s constitutional future. The summit’s National Coordination Committee includes respected figures from across the country and is chaired by Senators Gbenga Daniel from Ogun State and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal from Sokoto State. Other well-known members of the committee include Kayode Fayemi, Labaran Maku, Tokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu, Pauline Tallen, Boni Haruna, Donald Duke, Ben Obi, Shehu Sanni, Daisy Danjuma, Aisha Ismail, Josephine Anenih, Shekari Charity, Christie Anyanwu, and Ankio Briggs.
The South West pre-summit meeting is being organised by the Patriot Advocacy and Mobilisation Committee. It is expected to attract traditional rulers, political figures, scholars, civil society groups, youth and women representatives, and professionals from different sectors. The aim is to come up with a unified position and suggestions from the South West region on the needed constitutional reforms.
Mogagi Gboyega Adejumo, Chairman of the South West Patriot Advocacy and Mobilisation Committee, said, “preparations were in full gear and the meeting will provide a space to discuss critical issues, such as restructuring and true federalism, devolution of powers, security and regional autonomy, representation and inclusion, as well as cultural and linguistic identity.”
Prof. Anthony Kila, National Chairman of the Patriot Strategy, Advocacy and Mobilisation Committee, confirmed the meeting, saying, “This meeting is a vital step in ensuring that the voice of the Yoruba people is united, clear, and influential at the national summit. We are determined to contribute meaningfully to shaping a constitution that reflects equity, justice, and the aspirations of all Nigerians, a true people’s constitution and the Lagos gathering is one of several regional consultations planned to take place across the country in preparation for the National Summit, which aims to produce a people-driven framework for Nigeria’s constitutional future.”
The National Political Summit is scheduled to hold in Abuja in June. It will bring together stakeholders from different parts of the country to talk about fair participation and to create a constitution that respects Nigeria’s diversity and helps promote peace and prosperity for all citizens.
