Constitution review opportunity to deepen federalism, strengthen institutions – Tinubu
Constitution review opportunity to deepen federalism, strengthen institutions – Tinubu
By Idun Maximus
President Bola Tinubu has described the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as an opportunity to deepen the country’s federalism, guarantee fundamental rights and strengthen institutions.
President Tinubu stated this, Monday, while speaking at the National Public Hearing on Constitution alteration bills organized by the House of Representatives Special Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.
The President, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said the constitution is a living document, which must continually address the aspirations and challenges of the country.
Tinubu, while urging participants at the public hearing to approach the exercise with patriotism, assured that the outcome of the constitution review will be given the desired attention.
He said “the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It is not static. A living document that must continually respond to realities of the aspirations and challenges of our country. The ongoing process provides us a yet another great opportunity to strengthen our institutions, deepen federalism, guarantee fundamental rights and promote Justice, Equity and accountability.”
The President, who commended the Constitution Review Committee for providing an inclusive platform for stakeholders to ventilate their views on the constitution alteration bills, said the exercise is important, especially as it aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda to ” which seeks to enthrone good governance, inclusivity and sustenance development.”
The speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, in his address, said the parliament will expedite voting on the constitution alteration bills and transmit them promptly to the state Houses of Assembly for their concurrence.
Abbas explained that some of the bills, including the Reserved Seats proposals, are transformative, as they are geared towards promoting inclusion in governance.
“Nigeria cannot prosper by leaving half of its talent and energy on the sidelines. Today, women hold less than five percent of seats in the National Assembly. That statistic is unacceptable for a country of our size and ambition. The reserved seats for women proposal will create additional seats in the National Assembly and State Assemblies to ensure that every state and senatorial district has women’s voices in lawmaking
“This is not tokenism but a constitutional mechanism to accelerate gender inclusion until structural barriers are dismantled. Similar provisions ensure representation for persons with disabilities at the federal, state, and local levels, recognising their right to fully participate in shaping the laws that affect their lives.
“Another amendment requires a minimum threshold of women in ministerial appointments to ensure gender balance. These measures will make our democracy more representative, our policies more responsive, and our country more just”, he stated.
The speaker noted that the tasks before the parliament is weighty, as constitution are “powerful compacts,” and promised that the House will take the contribution of stakeholders seriously in the ongoing review exercise.
According to him, “as Speaker, I pledge that we will take your contributions seriously and consider the bills with diligence, fairness, and urgency. We will engage the State Assemblies respectfully and transparently to secure their concurrence. We will continue to work with the Executive and with you, the people, to ensure that the amendment process proceeds smoothly.”
Abbas added” We intend to vote on the proposals expeditiously and to transmit them promptly to the State Houses of Assembly so that concurrence can be secured within the current legislative session. Reform delayed is reform denied, and Nigerians deserve clarity and closure. By acting decisively, we give the States enough time to debate, deliberate, and endorse the people’s will without the pressure of electoral calendars or political distractions.”
Similarly, the deputy speaker and chairman of the House Constitution Review Committee, Benjamin Kalu, said the parliament is considering a total of 87 bills, borne out of the desires of citizens.
Kalu explained that some of the proposals include establishment of Electoral Offences Commission, Independent Candidacy, devolution of power, gender inclusion, local government autonomy amongst others.
According to him, “We are considering extensive electoral reforms, including proposals for independent candidacy, the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission, and a fixed timeline for the determination of pre-election matters to ensure that the will of the people is never again subverted by legal technicalities.
“We have before us bold proposals on the devolution of powers. The landmark bill to move policing from the Exclusive to the Concurrent List, enabling the creation of state and community police forces, is a direct response to the clarion call for localized solutions to our security challenges.
“We are tackling, head-on, the long-standing issue of local government autonomy. The bills before us seek to guarantee the financial and administrative independence of our local governments, ensuring that development is not an abstract concept dictated from afar, but a tangible reality in our communities.”
Furthermore, the deputy speaker stated that “the challenges of the 21st century demand a constitution that is not an artifact of the past, but a dynamic blueprint for the future. It must be a constitution that is not only legal but also legitimate; one that commands the respect and allegiance of every citizen because they see their hopes, their values, and their fundamental rights reflected in its text.
“This is the solemn mandate of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review. Since our inauguration, we have embarked on the most comprehensive and consultative review process in Nigeria’s democratic history. ”
