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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
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, on 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
He said “the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It is not static. A living document that must continually respond to realities 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 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.
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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.”
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.”
