A group of prominent Nigerians under the umbrella of The Patriots has called for the drafting of a new constitution, attributing the country’s persistent socio-economic problems to the 1999 Constitution currently in use.
Speaking on Uniq fm radio program on Thursday , the Chairman of the South-West Patriot Advocacy and Mobilisation Committee, Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo described the 1999 Constitution as “unworkable, invidious document handed down by the military.”
Mogaji Adejumo highlighted what he called structural imbalances in the constitution, particularly in legislative representation between the North and the South.
According to him, the numerical advantage of the North in the National Assembly often results in the rejection of bills that reflect southern aspirations, regardless of their merit.
“There’s a clear imbalance when you compare the number of representatives from the South to those from the North. If a bill appears to favour southern interests, it’s usually shut down because of the numerical strength of the North even if it’s a well-meaning bill,” he stated.
Mogaji Adejumo stressed the importance of critically examining whether the constitution favours certain regions or groups.
“If the answer is yes, then efforts to change it will be met with serious opposition from those benefitting from the current arrangement,” he warned.
He called for a national reflection on what system would best serve Nigeria’s diverse interests, urging the country to adopt a more inclusive and people-driven constitutional framework.
As part of efforts to address the issue, The Patriots have resolved to organise a nationwide, people-led national conference. According to Adejumo, the initiative will be self-funded and will include town hall meetings in all six geopolitical zones to gather the views and aspirations of Nigerians.
“At the end of this process, we expect to develop a framework for a new constitution that truly reflects the will of the people. The document will be presented to the President and the National Assembly, with the hope that they will prioritise this critical step towards national development,” he said.
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