Members of the National Assembly Ad hoc Committee on Constitution Review launched into a retreat yesterday in Kano on the review of the 1999 Constitution, with talks devoted to  Local Government Autonomy, State Police and assigning specific roles to  traditional rulers.

Their target is to get the draft bill ready not later than December 31, 2025.

They plan to engage state governors, state houses of assembly, the judiciary, civil society organisations and other critical stakeholders on the various issues to guide against rejection of the bill when it gets to the state level for adoption.

At the opening of the programme organised in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), the Chairman, Senate Ad hoc Committee on the Review of the Constitution, who is also the Deputy President of the Senate, Alhaji  Barau Jibrin, pledged that the ongoing review of the nation’s constitution would meet the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians.

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“It is an assignment for us to work in synergy with our colleagues and other stakeholders to produce an outstanding report and recommendations, which, of course, will be composed of suggestions and recommendations to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for further deliberation and approval,” he said.

He said the timeless values of freedom, equality and justice should guide the legislators as “our decisions today will have far-reaching implications for generations to come, and we must ensure that they are in the best interests of all Nigerians.”

Continuing, he said: “To achieve meaningful reform, we must synergise with our esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Constitution Review and collaborate with critical stakeholders, including the executive arm of government, State Governors, State Assemblies, the judiciary, and civil society organisations, to build consensus on contentious issues.

“Our collective success hinges on our ability to work together seamlessly, sharing ideas and expertise to develop a report to be submitted to the Senate for further legislative actions.

“This retreat presents a unique opportunity for constructive good-faith dialogue and collective problem-solving.”

House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who also chairs the constitution review panel in the Green Chamber, said the retreat provided an avenue for the Senate to reflect on the process and challenges of Constitution alteration.

He said other stakeholders would also have the opportunity to make input to help shape the direction, content and the approach that the Committee could take to achieve its desired goals.

Kalu, who was represented by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, said the synergy between both chambers would enable the National Assembly to conclude the Constitution review within the proposed timeframe to “forestall a situation whereby Nigerians do not see the exercise through a political prism if political campaigns leading up to the 2027 elections have actively commenced.”

He suggested that the collaboration of the two chambers should include engagement with political leaders/traditional rulers and leaders of faith-based organisations.

He also advocated joint meetings with State governors, and consultants to the panel, to harmonise documents.

He further suggested that the Senate and the House of Representatives panels would hold joint zonal public hearings on suitable dates to fast track the review process.

The Chairman, Conference of State Houses of Assembly Speakers, Mr. Adebo  Ogundoyin, expressed delight that the review process started early compared to what happened during the 9th National Assembly.

He said the exercise started somewhat late in the 9th Assembly hence the Bills were transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly at a later date closer to the election.

Ogundoyin, who is the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, said: “The last assembly’s experience invariably affected the decisions that were made by the State Houses of Assembly.

“By God’s grace, this exercise, coming up at this time would definitely give us ample time for us to review the views that were transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly for onward assents.

“At this juncture, we reiterate our earlier call for the prompt transmission of the National Assembly Resolutions on the proposed amendments to the State Houses of Assembly.

“Timely submission is essential to allow us at the sub-national level, to effectively fulfill our responsibility as due.

“We recall the challenges posed by the electioneering activities during the 2023 general election, which nearly hampered the last constitutional alteration.

“We are determined to avoid such occurrences, and an early start will be key in ensuring a smooth and efficient process.”

The President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, expressed the hope that the 10th National Assembly would produce constitutional review targets that are realistic, and meet the demands of Nigerians.

Lawan said: “The last assembly had about 62 issues that were both passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“Forty four of the harmonized versions were passed and sent to the states, out of which 35 passed and were assented to by the President then.”

Lawan urged his colleagues to pay serious attention to the issues of women and constitutional roles for traditional rulers.

He said: “There were some issues that didn’t pass, even at the level of the two chambers. For example, those that affected women.

“Five of those bills did not pass.  I think with the benefit of hindsight, we should look at those issues that did not pass.

“I think the time is right and ripe for the women’s forum to be given the opportunity to serve as appropriately as possible.

“I believe that our royal fathers have roles to play, especially when it comes to dealing with these issues across the country.

“Can’t we give them an advanced role, official, formal role, that will make them do better?”

He also urged his colleagues to give legislative powers to the judgment of the Supreme Court concerning local government autonomy.

“The National Assembly should give effect to that judgment. States should mind their business and deal with the resources that are purely theirs. Our local governments must be resuscitated.

“At the moment, they are comatose, collapsed, and completely docile and inefficient. In fact, in many states, they don’t even exist in practical sense,” Lawan added.

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf said the dedication shown by the senate committee showed the amended document would reflect on the aspirations and values of the nation.

“May our collaborative efforts during this retreat pave the way for a constitution that upholds justice, fairness and the rights of Nigerians. Together, we can build a brighter future for generations to come,” he said through Home Affairs and Internal Security Commissioner Muhammad Idris, a retired major general.