Senate Reaffirms Commitment to Timely, People-Centred Constitutional Amendments

The Senate has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to delivering timely and people-oriented amendments to the 1999 Constitution.

Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin (APC, Kano North), gave the assurance on Friday at a two-day joint retreat of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, held in Lagos.

Jibrin urged lawmakers to ensure that the first batch of amendments is transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly before the end of the year.

InfoStride News reports that the retreat was organized to enable members of the joint committees to review the proposed amendments clause by clause.

According to available data, a total of 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustment proposals, and 278 local government creation requests will be considered during the exercise.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Jibrin highlighted the extensive consultations that preceded the process.

“It has been a long journey to bring the Senate and House of Representatives’ Constitution amendment proposals that cut across several sections and deal with different subject matters,” Jibrin stated.

“We have been engaged in this process for the past two years, consulting constituents, stakeholders, institutions, civil society organizations, and interest groups through town hall meetings, interactive sessions, and public hearings.

“This process has culminated in 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments, and 278 local government creation requests,” he added.

The Deputy Senate President reiterated the National Assembly’s determination to ensure that the constitutional review reflects the collective aspirations of Nigerians and strengthens the country’s democratic institutions.