Kingsley Moghalu, a former presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party in the 2019 general elections, voiced his disagreement with President Bola Tinubu’s response to the Patriots group’s call for urgent constitutional reform in Nigeria. The Patriots, led by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, recently met with President Tinubu to advocate for a new constitution. While Tinubu respected the delegation, he emphasized that his current priority is economic reform.
In a statement shared on X, Moghalu, a member of The Patriots, argued that economic transformation is fundamentally linked to constitutional reform. He stated, “I respectfully disagree with President Bola Tinubu’s response regarding the urgent need for a new Constitution for Nigeria, as pressed by The Patriots.”
Moghalu highlighted that while Tinubu acknowledged the group’s stature and importance, he maintained that economic reform is his immediate focus. However, Moghalu contended that achieving meaningful economic change is nearly impossible without a new constitution that supports genuine federalism, preferably organized into 6-12 regions. He emphasized the necessity of fostering a cohesive nationhood for economic success, noting, “Nigeria is a country but not yet a nation.”
He pointed out the lack of unity and common purpose among Nigeria’s diverse groups, warning that failure to address constitutional reform could lead to severe consequences. “A pluralistic Nigeria that does not convert its diversity into a functional nation risks disintegration in the medium to long term,” he cautioned.
Referencing his 2018 book, “Build, Innovate and Grow (BIG),” Moghalu expressed concerns about Nigeria’s lack of direction. He remarked, “Nigeria today appears rudderless, lacking a purposeful destiny we can identify as our guiding principle.”
Moghalu concluded by urging President Tinubu to treat the issue of constitutional reform with the seriousness it warrants, emphasizing its critical role in shaping Nigeria’s future and ensuring national unity.
