2 months ago
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The Deputy President of the Senate and Chairman, Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Barau Jibrin, has charged members of the Committee on the Review of the Constitution to discharge their responsibility with utmost care and consideration
The Deputy Senate President gave the charge in his welcome address at the Retreat of the Committee on Review of the Constitution held at Bristol Palace Hotel in Kano on Friday.
According to him, the decision of the committee will have far-reaching implications for generations to come hence the need to ensure that the decisions to be taken are in the best interest of all Nigerians.
“We are here in furtherance to the performance of the assignment given to us by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to work on the 1999 constitution to put it in the best place to meet the wishes and aspirations of the people of this country.
“It is, therefore, 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,” Barau said.
He reminded members of the committee of the timeless values that make nations great: freedom, equality, and justice adding, “These enduring ideals should guide us through this arduous task.
According to him, the Senate committee must synergise with its counterparts in the House of Representatives as well as other critical stakeholders in order to achieve meaningful reform and
“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, judiciary, and civil society organisations, to build consensus on contentious issues.
“This retreat presents a unique opportunity for constructive good-faith dialogue and collective problem-solving. Your invaluable insights, drawn from years of experience and expertise in diverse disciplines, will significantly enrich our discussions and inform our decisions.
“As we embark on this vital journey, let us remain steadfastly committed to justice, equity, and progress. Together, we can forge a more robust and inclusive constitutional framework for our beloved nation, Nigeria, as we seek to build a brighter future for all our citizens,” Barau added.
In his goodwill message, the chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Adebo Ogundiyin, appreciated the recognition and involvement of the State Houses of Assembly in this process.
“Your collaboration speaks volumes of the Committee’s commitment to ensuring that the Constitution reflects the true needs and aspirations of the Nigerian people. Your sincerity and dedication to driving meaningful constitutional amendments are evident, and we stand ready to work alongside you to achieve these goals.
“However, we want to state that our earlier call for timely submission is essential to allow us at the sub-national level to effectively fulfil our responsibilities.
“We recall the challenges posed by electioneering activities during the 2023 general elections, which nearly hampered the last constitutional alteration. We are determined to avoid a recurrence, and an early start will be key to ensuring a smooth and efficient process,” he said.
