Northern elders spit fire over request for new constitution, warns Tinubu

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements

Concern rises over a proposal by The Patriots, a group led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to draft a new constitution through a national constituent assembly.

Northern Elders react to The Patriots' call for a new constitution, warns Tinubu. The Patriots met Tinubu last week. Photo credit: Ajuri Ngelale
Source: Facebook

Recall that The Patriots, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Middle Belt Forum have demanded a new constitution for the peace and progress of the country.

They supported calls for a new constitution and the implementation of the 2014 National Conference recommendations and the 2005 National Political Conference, which advocated for additional states in the Southeast region.

The group, which met with President Tinubu on August 10, advocated for an executive bill to be sent to the National Assembly to commence this process.

However, while acknowledging their recommendations, President Tinubu emphasized that his administration's immediate focus is on economic reform, with constitutional review planned as a subsequent priority.

Yakasai cautions Tinubu over review of constitution

Reacting to the development, Northern elder, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, who is also a member of The Patriots, urged the president to proceed cautiously.

Yakasai, in a statement issued on Monday, August 12, noted that “due process was not followed in articulating the views presented to the president,” adding that a matter of such national significance demands inclusive deliberation and consensus among all founding members.

He warned that neglecting these steps could lead to national chaos and instability.

As reported by Daily Trust, he further aligned with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s view that Nigeria’s core issue is not the constitution itself but the character and attitude of those who operate it.

He advised that efforts should be directed towards promoting ethical leadership, accountability, and civic responsibility among those in governance.

Yadudu reveal stance on new constitution by Tinubu

On the other hand, renowned constitutional lawyer, Professor Auwalu Yadudu, also expressed reservations about the call for a new constitution.

He cautioned Tinubu that any reworking of the fundamental document and restructuring of the polity must conform to constitutional processes to be legitimate.

Speaking further, he warned that deviating from this path could lead to chaos and disorder.

Constitution review: Northern elder cautions Tinubu

Another elder statesman from the North, who pleaded anonymity, alleged that the leader of The Patriots might be trying to achieve Biafra through the back door.

He questioned the rationale behind calling for a referendum in a country with a population of over 200 million, accusing The Patriot group of seeking to incite a crisis and take advantage of the current economic situation.

Impeachment comment against President Tinubu surfaces

In a related development, Legit.ng reported that former APC chieftain Salihu Lukman, has insinuated that the democratic structures of Nigeria were not functional.

Lukman said considering the state of the nation, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and many state governors "are candidates for immediate impeachment".

Legit.ng reports that the Kaduna-born politician empathised with Nigerians on "the current high levels of frustration and desperation".

Source: Legit.ng