News Editor
Ahead of the proposed National Political Summit on a New Constitution for Nigeria convened by the Patriots led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, eminent leaders from the North Central zone, comprising leaders from all the states and representatives of various interest groups within the geo-political zone, gathered in Abuja on Tuesday, 24th June, for a town hall meeting to deliberate on a position for the North Central zone ahead of the Patriots National Constitution Summit scheduled to occur in July 2025.
The event, organised by the Patriots Zonal Advocacy and Mobilisation Committee, was chaired by Dr Mike Omeri and coordinated by Hajia Amina Saleh Jambo. The chairman and secretary of the North Central Patriots Advocacy and Mobilisation Committee had Prof Anthony Kila, the national chairman of the Patriots Zonal Advocacy and Mobilisation Committee, as the keynote speaker.
The gathering, which had been postponed due to the recent killings in Benue, emphasised the need for the future constitution of Nigeria to pay special attention to the security of lives and property as well as the diversity of the people of the country.
Dr Mike Omeri, in his remarks, reminded all that the North Central was a microcosm of Nigeria and should play a leading role in shaping a future constitution and in hosting the July Patriots National Constitution Summit. He also encouraged participants to continue their efforts to raise awareness and gather input from all parts of the zone.
Leading participants who intervened during the meeting included Hon. Mark Gbillah, Hon. Aminu Zang, Dr. Helen Taiwo Adebakin, Engr. Morgan, Barr. Abubakar Ibrahim Azara, Mr. George Koce, Hon. Musa Oseni, and Hon. Aminu Zang. In his remarks, Prof. Anthony Kila thanked the leadership of the North Central Patriots Zonal Advocacy and Mobilisation Committee for their efforts and pointed out that the constitution project was not a partisan matter but a venture that must involve all Nigerians. The Don also explained that in suggesting demands and designs, “we must all ensure to ask for what we are willing to give others”.
Others leading participants who intervened at the meeting were Dr. Richard Obande, Hon. Shehu Baruwa Beji, Mr. Emmanuel Alamu, Mrs. Amina Zango, Dr. Olu Usim-Wilson, and Mrs. Rose Obi. All the participants provided updated reports on the awareness and consultations projects in their states, as well as questions from people in their states and groups.
The leaders from each state and group committed to maintaining and even strengthening their awareness and consultation efforts, while also accelerating preparations for the July summit, which is organised by a committee co-chaired by Senator Gbenga Daniel and Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
