Onome Amuge
Stakeholders from Nigeria’s North Central geopolitical zone recently convened in Abuja for a town hall meeting to drive a unified regional stance ahead of the proposed National Political Summit on a New Constitution for Nigeria, slated for July 2025. The summit, convened by The Patriots and led by Emeka Anyaoku, aims to gather diverse perspectives on the nation’s constitutional future.
The North Central gathering, organised by the Patriots Zonal Advocacy and Mobilisation Committee, saw Mike Omeri in the chair, with Amina Saleh Jambo coordinating, while Anthony Kila, national chairman of the Patriots Zonal Advocacy and Mobilisation Committee, delivered the keynote address.
The meeting, previously postponed due to recent killings in Benue State, highlighted the critical need for a future Nigerian constitution to prioritise the security of lives and property and adequately reflect the country’s diversity.
Omeri emphasised the North Central’s role as a microcosm of Nigeria, asserting its potential to lead in shaping a new constitution and hosting the upcoming July summit. He urged continued efforts to raise awareness and gather input across the zone.
Discussions featured interventions from prominent participants, including Mark Gbillah, Aminu Zang, Helen Taiwo Adebakin, Engr. Morgan, and Abubakar Ibrahim Azara. Kila commended the North Central committee’s efforts, stressing that the constitutional reform project transcends partisan politics and demands the involvement of all Nigerians. He advised participants to frame their demands and designs by considering what they are “willing to give others.”
Further contributions came from Richard Obande, Shehu Baruwa Beji, Emmanuel Alamu, Amina Zango, Olu Usim-Wilson, and Rose Obi. Attendees provided updates on awareness campaigns and consultations in their respective states and groups, along with feedback from their constituents.
Leaders from each state and group pledged to intensify their outreach and consultation efforts, while also accelerating preparations for the July summit, which is co-chaired by Gbenga Daniel and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
