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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has described the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution as an opportunity to deepen the country’s federalism, guarantee fundamental rights and strengthen institutions.
President Tinubu stated this, yesterday, 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.
Tinubu, 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 h 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.
“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 yet another great opportunity to strengthen our institutions, deepen federalism, guarantee fundamental rights and promote justice, equity and accountability.”
He commended the Constitution Review Committee for providing an inclusive platform for stakeholders to ventilate their views on the constitution alteration bills, saying the exercise is important, especially as it aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda to “ which seeks to enthrone good governance, inclusivity and sustenance development.”
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen described the exercise as a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The speaker said Nigerians, not just politicians, must participate and shape the supreme law of the land.
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He assured that the parliament will expedite voting on the constitution alteration bills and transmit them promptly to the state Houses of Assembly for their concurrence.
“Reform delayed is reform denied, and Nigerians deserve clarity and closure. We intend to vote on the proposals expeditiously and give the states enough time to deliberate and endorse the people’s will.”
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.”
The speaker promised that the House will take the contribution of stakeholders seriously in the ongoing review exercise.
“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.
“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.”
