Emeka Anyaoku
The Patriots, a group of eminent Nigerians led by Emeka Anyaoku, a former secretary-general of the Commonwealth, is putting together a constitutional summit to x-ray Nigeria’s constitutional and security challenges.
In collaboration with the Nigerian Political Summit Group (NPSG), the conference has been billed for July 15 to 17, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.
In a statement, Anthony Kila, spokesperson of the joint secretariat for the event, said former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, key stakeholders, state governors, traditional and religious leaders, and civil society organisations, are expected to attend.
Nuhu Ribadu, national security adviser, will deliver a special address on security concerns in the country.
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“A Confab Coordinating Committee inaugurated on 1st of May in Lagos under the joint leadership of two former Governors, who are presently serving as Senators, Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, and Gbenga Daniel of Ogun State are currently mobilising broad support from State Governors, eminent leaders of thought and government gate keepers towards a successful constitutional confab that will enrich the ongoing constitution reform process of the National Assembly,” the statement reads.
“Already confirmed to address the historic Summit on their personal reflections and experiences on the constitutional journey of Nigeria so far are; former Presidents of Nigeria, namely, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, while confirmation from General Yakubu Gowon is still being awaited.
“However, General Abdulsalami Abubakar is said to be currently out of the country at the moment. In the same vein, Goodwill Messages at the Summit will be given by key traditional and religious leaders from the six Geo political zones, including the Sultan of Sokoto, the Ooni of Ife, Obi of Onitsha, Emir of Kano, Muslim and Christian clerics among others.
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“Some Eminent thought leaders listed to make special interventions at the Summit are; Prof Wole Soyinka, General TY Danjuma, Mallam Tanko Yakassai, Prof Ango Abdullahi, Chief Olu Falae, General Ike Nwachukwu, Chief Afe Babalola, Chief Phillip Asiodu, Oba Olaitan Oladipo, Obong Victor Attah, General Alani Akinriade, Bishop Mathew Kukah, Elder Solomon Asemota, SAN, Hajia Maryam Inna Ciroma, Amb Tokunbo Awolowo Dosumu among others.”
The organisers said on the last day of the event, leaders of the summit, alongside members of coordinating committees, will visit President Bola Tinubu “to formally submit the summit report to the Presidency in company of the leadership of the National Assembly for the buy in and support of the Federal Government”.
