“A Ploy to Get Biafra Through the Back Door” — Northern Elders React to Calls for New Constitution

Prominent elder statesmen from the northern region have responded to recent calls for a new Nigerian constitution. The Patriots, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and the Middle Belt Forum have demanded a new constitution for the peace and progress of the country. However, their stance has drawn mixed reactions.

Alhaji Tanko Yakasai’s Cautious Approach

Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, a member of The Patriots, urged President Bola Tinubu to proceed cautiously. He emphasized the importance of broad consultations and careful consideration. Yakasai warned that neglecting these steps could lead to national chaos and instability. He also stressed that due process was not followed in articulating the views presented to the president. According to him, decisions of this magnitude must involve inclusive deliberation and consensus among all founding members.

Yakasai aligned with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s view that Nigeria’s core issue lies not in the constitution itself but in the “character and attitude of those who operate it.” He emphasized that without a change in mindset and conduct among the country’s leaders, even the most well-crafted constitution would fail to bring about desired progress and stability. His advice? Focus on promoting ethical leadership, accountability, and civic responsibility.

Professor Auwalu Yadudu’s Warning

Professor Auwalu Yadudu also cautioned that any reworking of the constitution and restructuring of the polity “must conform to constitutional processes to be legitimate.” Deviating from this path, he warned, could lead to chaos and disorder.

Anonymous Allegations

An anonymous northern elder statesman told Daily Trust that the proposal for a new constitution was disruptive and an “attempt to exacerbate existing tensions.” He even alleged that the leader of The Patriots might be trying to “achieve Biafra through the back door” with this demand. These allegations add further complexity to the ongoing debate.