An eminent group of leaders of thought in Nigeria, The Patriots, in collaboration with the June 12 Pro Democracy Movement of Nigeria, has concluded plans to host a major national democracy rally for a people’s constitution in Nigeria.

According to Prof. Kila, the National Democracy Day Rendezvous, to be chaired by former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations and Chairman of The Patriots, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, will be held at the Conference and Exhibition Centre of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, at 10 am on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

He shall receive a crucial State Address from the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, at the national rally.

Also invited to give goodwill messages to Nigerians at the annual event, according to the statement, are former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso, among others.

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, and Senator Shehu Sanni are also expected to lead the anniversary conversation on securing the future of Nigeria through a democratic constitution reform process.

“Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, who was earlier scheduled to provide the keynote address at the occasion, has now been replaced due to very pressing engagements. His place will be taken by former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and former Military Governor of Kaduna State and June 12 Activist, Col. Umar Dangiwa. They are respectively billed to pioneer broad interventions on the anniversary theme tagged “Securing the Future of Nigeria through a Democratic People’s Constitution.

“Leading pro-democracy stakeholders and activists in the country who are invited to discuss the keynote submissions at the event include Prof. Pat Utomi, Barr Femi Falana SAN, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, Amb (Hon) Nkoyo Toyo, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, Otunba Dele Momodu, Hajia (Dr.) Bilikisu Magoro, and Ann Kio Briggs. Special interventions and remarks are to be provided at the national colloquium by notable leaders of thought and political leaders, who include General Alabi Akinriade, General Ike Nwachukwu, Elder Solomon Asemota SAN, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu, Obong Victor Attah, Prof. Anya O. Anya, Rt Hon Aminu Tambuwal, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi, Mr. Donald Duke, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Senator Ben Obi, and Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN.

“Others expected to address the rally are the President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, the National Youth Leader of the 3rd Force, Abayomi Rotimi Mighty, Obongawan Barbara Etim-James, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi (Veteran Che), General Secretary of The Patriots. A roll call of honours for nominated Heroes and Heroines of the present democratic rule in Nigeria will also be undertaken by the conveners at the historic event.

“Finally, this year’s anniversary celebration, as scheduled by the Local Organising Committee (LOC), will be rounded off with a colourful motorcade procession from the venue of the national democracy rally for a people’s constitution at the LCCI, Alausa, to the residence of the martyr of the current Nigeria’s democracy, Chief MKO Abiola, off Toyin Street in Ikeja, Lagos, where prayers for the repose of the souls of departed heroes and heroines of democracy and tributes as well as the laying of the annual Wreath of Honour in their memories will be jointly carried out with members of the MKO Abiola family.”