…the constitution review committee’s goal is to ensure widespread civic participation and inclusiveness in the constitution amendment process.
The iNews Times reports that the Nigerian Senate has announced a significant step towards the proposed constitution review, scheduling public hearings across the six geopolitical zones on July 4 and 5.
The iNews Times learnt that the hearings aim to gather citizens’ input on proposed amendments, covering crucial topics such as local government autonomy, state creation, and gender inclusion.
According to the special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, Ismail Mudashir, and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Barau Jibrin, the hearings will take place in Lagos (South-West), Enugu (South-East), Ikot-Ekpene (South-South), Jos (North-Central), Maiduguri (North-East), and Kano (North-West).
The committee’s goal is to ensure widespread civic participation and inclusiveness in the constitution amendment process.
The Senate’s announcement highlights key issues up for debate, including local government autonomy, state police and security, judiciary reform, gender equity, electoral reform, state creation, traditional rulers, and devolution of powers.
Mudashir emphasized the review committee’s commitment to a transparent and inclusive process, urging Nigerians to participate actively in the hearings.
“This is a national call to all Nigerians,” Mudashir said.
“Our Constitution is the backbone of our democracy and must reflect the will and aspirations of the people.”
The constitution review committee believes these public hearings are not just symbolic but a real opportunity for Nigerians to shape how they are governed politically, economically, and socially.
In a parallel effort, the House of Representatives is reviewing 87 constitutional amendments, focusing on thematic areas such as gender bills and inclusive governance, security and police reforms, fiscal and judicial reforms, and devolution of powers and local government autonomy.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, disclosed the committee’s priority areas during a dinner with the diplomatic community at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Kalu emphasized the committee’s commitment to enhancing women’s representation and addressing gender disparities in governance.
The review committee is considering bills that would create reserved seats for women in the National Assembly and Houses of Assembly, ensure gender balance in the composition of the Federal Character Commission, and promote fairness and inclusivity in leadership positions.
Kalu also highlighted a landmark bill (HB-617) seeking to transfer policing from the Exclusive to the Concurrent Legislative List, enabling the establishment of State and Local Government Police. The committee has passed this bill for second reading.
The constitution review process is a significant step towards improving Nigeria’s governance framework and ensuring that the country’s laws reflect the will and aspirations of its people, The iNews Times reports.
