Editor
By Fatima Saka
The Senate on Wednesday inaugurated a committee on the Review of 1999 Constitution to address the issues revolving around the nation and to seek consideration of new laws.
The Senate Chairman on committee on the Constitutional Review, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, in his opening remarks said the committee will work in synergy with counterparts in the House of Representatives.
Senator Jibrin emphasized that constitutional review will involve strategic conduct of the affairs of the committee. “We will be guided by the laws and rules of legislative business, including precedence where it does not conflict with any known rule, while also being innovative where we can.”
The deputy senate president further expressed that the secretariat will submit a work plan and a process map with time-lines to the Steering Committee which will be presented for consideration and approval by members in the next meeting.
“It is important to note that the Committee is not constituted to rewrite the 1999 Constitution but to process proposed amendments to it, and we will strive to conclude this assignment within the next 24 months.
“It is my pleasure to welcome you to this inaugural meeting, accept my congratulations for your nomination into this Committee.
“Your nomination is a product of your rank as legislators generally and as ranking Senators in your various States and Geo-political zones including special interest groups. I hope that your wealth of experience and knowledge of our nation will be brought to bear in the work of the
“The Committee will strongly consult and engage critical stakeholders in a way that will ensure that bills passed by the National Assembly will be approved by the State Houses of Assembly and assented to by Mr. President.
“I, enjoin us to be committed to the activities of the Committee because the task ahead is huge as some of the issues already canvassed by some critical stakeholders are quite delicate.”
Other inputs by the committee members, selected from geo-political zones.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe speaking on behalf of Southeast geo political zone said the committee should work with time in order to meet up with executives to avoid rush hours.
Senator Aliyu Wamakko who spoke on behalf of Northwestern said the committee should involve Nigerian’s citizens in diaspora for innovation input and also consider the youth to take part in review of the constitutional review.
Also, Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Akogun Lere Oyewumi said the executive should be carried along to ensure smooth transition and to avoid conflicts.
Speaking on behalf of the minority and women, Senator Patrick Abba Moro, said to avoid marginalization of the minority group, regions should be carried along.
He added women should be allowed to compete in the political sphere, and more should be created for them.
