The Patriots End Summit In Abuja, Calls For Secularism, True Federalism, Others In New Constitution

The three-day National Summit on the future of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy on Friday ended in Abuja with a call for a fresh pluralistic constitution that will guarantee secularism, true federalism in the country.

In his remarks during presentation of the communiqué to the media, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Chairman of The Patriots Summit, and a former Commonwealth Secretary-General, outlined key recommendations aimed at shaping Nigeria’s political future during the recent summit.

Emphasizing the country’s pluralistic nature and diversity, Anyaoku stressed the imperative of enforcing Nigeria’s secular character to promote peace and stability, drawing parallels with India’s constitutional secularism in a multi-religious society.

Anyaoku highlighted lessons from history, citing countries like Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia that disintegrated for failing to operate truly federal systems, while India and Canada thrived under genuine federal constitutions.

Addressing the urgent need for reform in the nation’s security architecture, the summit proposed granting federating units the constitutional authority to establish their own police forces, commonly referred to as state police, adding that the move is designed to devolve power effectively and restore the federal structure envisioned at Nigeria’s independence, where regions operated with significant autonomy, each having their own constitutions.

The communiqué also called for true fiscal federalism, recommending that federating units gain full control and management over their natural resources and revenues.

Anyaoku noted that every region is bountifully endowed with resources, which if properly harnessed, could accelerate national development and improve citizens’ welfare.

Highlighting social justice concerns, the summit urged that at least 50% of national resources be legislated to cater to the welfare of the Nigerian people. Special emphasis was placed on protecting rights and advancing the needs of women, youth, and marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities.

Anyaoku further recommended that a new constituent assembly be convened to draft the upcoming constitution, ensuring it incorporates lessons from Nigeria’s 1960-63 constitution, the 2014 national conference’s resolutions, and relevant provisions of the 1999 constitution.

“The welfare of the people, respect for diversity, and autonomy of federating units must be at the heart of Nigeria’s new constitutional framework,” Anyaoku affirmed, inviting citizens and stakeholders to engage with the summit’s proposals as Nigeria embarks on this historic process.

The Patriots Summit’s communiqué signals a comprehensive approach to constitutional reform centered on inclusivity, effective governance, and social equity. The call for broad consultation promises an open dialogue in charting Nigeria’s future governance architecture.

Independent reports that summarily key resolutions from the summit call for: “Drafting a new federal constitution through a constituent assembly representing all parts of Nigeria, Submitting the new constitution to a national referendum for legitimacy, Devolution of powers and fiscal responsibility to federating units, including the creation of new federating units, Reforming the legislature to be more cost-effective, Establishing state police forces under the control of federating units, Separation of the roles of Minister of Justice and Attorney General to reduce partisanship, Holding all elections on a single day with improved technology to enhance transparency, Preventing party defections without seat vacancy to ensure accountability, Reducing the cost of governance by downsizing ministries and agencies, Addressing corruption and improving citizen welfare, with at least 50% of resources devoted to social services, Extending voting rights to Nigerians in the diaspora, Enhancing national security by creating coastal and border forces to manage porous borders, Strengthening Nigeria’s secular character for peace and stability, and Prioritizing the welfare of women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

Anyaoku emphasized that the new constituent assembly should draw on Nigeria’s 1960-63 constitution, the 2014 National Conference recommendations, and relevant parts of the 1999 constitution.

The Patriots will submit the summit’s communique and recommendations to the Presidency and the National Assembly, urging the establishment of the proposed constituent assembly to take Nigeria forward.