The Senator representing Kwara North Senatorial District, North Central Nigeria, Senator Suleiman Sadiq-Umar has urged Nigerians to take active part in the ongoing constitutional review process, describing it as a critical chance to restructure the nation’s governance and deepen federalism.
The senator made the call while delivering a keynote address at the 2025 Press Week of the Kwara State Television Authority (KWTV) Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), held at the NUJ Press Centre in Ilorin, Kwara State Capital.
Speaking on the theme, “Pros and Cons of the Ongoing Constitutional Review,” Sadiq-Umar stressed that the constitution is more than a legal instrument, but a living social contract reflecting the people’s collective identity and aspirations.
“For a country of over 200 million citizens, the Constitution must be dynamic and inclusive,” he said.
Senator Sadiq-Umar who is the Chairman Senate Committee on Rules and Business as well as Trade and Investment noted that the ongoing review is a timely and necessary opportunity for Nigerians to take ownership of their governance.
Policy and implementation
The lawmaker identified political resistance, poor public awareness, and a wide gap between policy and implementation as persistent barriers to successful constitutional amendments
He warned that unless these bottlenecks are decisively addressed, the current effort could end up like previous ones.
“We must move beyond elite conversations. Every Nigerian has a role to play,” he said. “This is a chance to embed gender and youth inclusion, devolve powers, and strengthen local government autonomy.”
Sadiq-Umar also called on journalists to step up their watchdog role by demystifying the review process, enlightening the public, and ensuring leaders are held accountable.
He praised the state Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent support for media houses in the state.
National conversations
In a goodwill message, the Kwara State Commissioner for Communications, Mrs. Bolanle Olukoju represented by the Director of Information Services, Alhaji Salau Jimoh praised the NUJ KWTV Chapel for driving important national conversations.
She restated the commitment of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration to supporting media freedom and professionalism in the State.
Relevant intervention
The General Manager of KWTV, Mallam Ayobami Akanbi, described the senator’s remarks as timely and commended the press week as a relevant intervention amid the ongoing constitutional reform efforts.
In her address, Chairperson of the KWTV NUJ Chapel, Busayo Aweda, acknowledged recent improvements at the station, including the procurement of two new cameras and better staff welfare, courtesy of the state government.
Kwara NUJ Chairman, Comrade Lateef Lanre Ahmed, and other speakers also underscored the indispensable role of the media in democracy and nation-building.
Lateefah Ibrahim