The Chief Emeka Anyaoku-led group of eminent Nigerians, popularly known as The Patriots, has inaugurated Zonal Advocacy Committees across six geo political zones of Nigeria towards the actualisation of a new People’s Constitution for Nigeria.
The Patriots said this in a statement co-signed by the national chairman of Patriots’ Strategy and Advocacy Committee on constitutional reform of Nigeria, Prof Anthony Kila and the National Secretary of the committee, Dr Bilikisu Magoro.
The statement signed by the under secretary, Strategy & Advocacy Committee of the Patriots, Salvation Alibor, The Patriots stressed that the Political Reform Advocacy has been devolved to the six geo political zones of Nigeria with members from each state and diverse groups in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the task of the newly Inaugurated zonal committees would be to engage and mobilise diverse stakeholders and peoples of Nigeria across the six geo political zones of the country.
While inaugurating the People’s Constitution STRATEGY & ADVOCACY Committee of The Patriots in August, the chairman of The Patriots, Chief Emeka Anyaoku (former secretary general of the Commonwealth of Nations), stated that the Advocacy Team Co-Chaired by Senator Shehu Sani would reach out to various sectors of the peoples and citizens of Nigeria for their buy in and support towards actualising a new democratic people’s Constitution for Nigeria.
It will be recalled that the Patriots recently visited President Bola Tinubu to make a case for a legitimate federal constitution that can make Nigeria work for all.
According to the statement, members of the newly initiated zonal committees are: North Central: Barr Abubakar Ibrahim Azara, Dr Olubunmi Usim-Wilson, Dr Helen Adebakin, Hajiya Amina Saleh Jambo, Dr Mike Omeri, Amb Muhammad Abdullahi Mabdul, Chief Segun Olawoyin, Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia, Jnr, and Gen Jon Temlong .
North East: Dr Tafawa Balewa, Dr. Umar Bindir, Mallam Samaila Karagama, Sen George Anthony Manzo, Alh. Yakubu Musa Damagun, Alhaji Salihu Lukman Abubakar and Engr. Sa’ad Abdullahi .
NorthWest: Dr Ben Dikki, Hon. Mark Jacobs, Hon Charity Stephen Shekari, Hon. Baffa Saleh Hadejia, Prof Ibrahim Garba, Mallam Hamisu Santuraki, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobbai.
South-South: Barr. Affiong L. Affiong Prof Prosper Ayawei, Obongawan Barbara Etim James, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, Chief Paul Omoijiade, Madam Anniko Briggs, Chief Fafaa Dan-Princewill, Barr. Ejiro Ofoye, Mr Denzil Kentebe.
South-East: Mr Madu Bright O. Alwell, Mr Ikechukwu Amaechi, Chief (Mrs) Ify Ezenwa, Barr Joe Atuyi, Mr Malizu Chwudum Paul, Engr. Chike Igbokwe, Dr Sam Amadi, Barr Joe Nwokedi, Hon Uche Onyeagocha, Barr Monday Ubani, Chief Loretta Aniagolu.
South West: Prof Remi Sonaiya, Dr Akin Fapohunda, Dr. Sina Fagbenro-Byron, Dr Yinka Olarinmoye, Hon. Jellili Amusan, Hon. Oke-Are Aina, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, Mr Habib Aruna and Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo.
The zonal committees have also been given powers to co-opt members, who may be found useful towards the accomplishment of their terms of reference. The Kila-Sanni led committee is expected to submit its report in March 2025.
