Constitution; reference point for sustainable democracy – Sokoto Governor

The Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has described Nigerian Constitution as the reference point for sustainable democracy.

Governor Tambuwal stated this while declaring open a two-day North West Public Hearing on Constitutional Review, comprising Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States in Sokoto, the State Capital.

Represented by his Deputy, Mannir DanIya, he said through functional constitution, the country had achieved much especially on addressing many challenges.

“And in the 22 years of Nigeria’s experience in government by representation, our gains have more than justified our challenges.

“All constitutions are therefore, work in progress because they are subject to the changing needs and aspirations of the people at different times.

“And constitutional reviews are the processes for ensuring this guiding document plays that function”, he said.

The Governor urged the participants to use the opportunity to contribute meaningful inputs that would lead to strengthening of democracy and improvement in good governance.

Amendment to benefit Nigerians
The Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, said the proposed Constitution Amendment will lead to highest benefits for millions of Nigerians.

Omo-Agege who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Review of 1999 Constitution said the review would guarantee all Nigerians to explore more ideologies for the betterment of all.

“Indeed, the ongoing exercise provides a platform for good people of Nigeria to express their opinions on the fundamental laws that govern our lives”, he said.

Constitution Review; an advancement
Represented by the Chairman of the Public Hearing in Sokoto, Senator Adamu Alieru, he added that a constitutional review was an aspect and critical phase in the nation’s development as well as advancement as a country.

“So far, we have had over two decades of constitutional rule under the 1999 constitution.

“This is an important feat and we commend ourselves as a country, even if we are not where we aspire to be.

“As a living document, the constitution and to a large extent our constitutional democracy needs to be reviewed from time to time.

“Just as in our day to day lives, we take stock of the past and plan for the future, so must with the nation”, he added.

Legislative agenda
The Deputy Senate President further stated that at the commencement of the 9th Senate, the lawmakers had set for themselves a legislative agenda, as a basis on which they will be assessed.

According to him, the agenda was needed to address the way of constitutional amendments, topical and crucial issues like the Judicial Reforms, Local Government Autonomy, Devaluation of Powers and fiscal Federalism among others.

“If we get these items done successfully, then our Constitutional Democracy will be set on the right pedestal and ultimately, Nigeria will take it’s pride of place among enviable democracies in the world.

“It’s therefore with great pleasure that I convey the intention of the Senate to leverage on this exercise to achieve as many milestones as possible”, he added.

The Chairman, Progressives Governors’ Forum and Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu explained that the exercise was coming at the time of Nigeria’s life when more dialogue is direly needed.

He said that this became more evident and glaring sequel to the prevalence of myriad of topical issues agitating the minds of many Nigerians.

“It is an opportune time to therefore collectively brainstorm on how to discuss these issues for the country to move forward in unison by having a more robust constitution”, he said.

There were also goodwill messages from the Speakers of the Sokoto and Zamfara States House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Aminu Achida and Nasiru Magarya respectively.

Other participants include Civil Society Organizations, Non- Governmental Organisations, Labour Organisations, Politicians, Traditional and Religious Leaders among others.

 

Nneka Ukachukwu