JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
The President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio has stressed the importance of continuing review of the 1999 Constitution, describing it as an important effort to build a more just, stable and united Nigerian Nigeria.
Speaking on Friday at Ikot Ekpene, the state of Akwa Ibom, at the opening of the South Zonal Public Audience on the constitutional review, Akpabio called the exercise as a “democratic rite” that reflects the commitment of the Senate to Governance and National Development.
Public hearing is one of the several that is held simultaneously in five geopolitical zones and is designed to gather the perspective of citizens about the proposed constitutional amendment.
In a statement released by his aide, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio said the event exceeded mere legislative formality and provided a platform for the Nigerians to actively shape the future of the country.
“Today’s event is not just a formality,” said the Senate President. “This is a democratic ritual, a solemn moment in which the people, not politicians alone, talking about the souls of the nation. It is an affirmation that in democracy, every voice is taken into account.”
He stressed that democracy is a dynamic and developing process, noting that there is no perfect or unchanged constitution. “Don’t forget that democracy is an ongoing job. There is no eternal constitution in its original form, and there is no perfect democracy because humans themselves are not perfect,” he said.
Also read: I’m from a rich background not like Amaechi – Wike
According to Akpabio, the constitutional review is not an indictment of the past framework, but a future -minded commitment to rearrange the nation’s legal and institutional foundations with contemporary reality and aspirations.
“Our constitutional review is not a sign of weakness, but strength. This is not a complaint to the past, but a commitment to the future. We are amended not to leave, but to harmonize, to adjust our national charter with changes in reality, dreams, and demands of good people in Nigeria.”
He added that the process confirmed the confidence of the Senate that meaningful changes emerged through open dialogue and honest involvement. “This public hearing is proof of the unwavering senate belief that the truth does not arise from silence, but from dialogue; not from the monologue, but from the aggregation of honest opinions. That is why we are not here as party men, but as patriot. Not as political actors, but as a nation’s builder.”
Also speaking at the event, the Vice President of the Barau Jibrin Senate acknowledged the shortcomings of the efforts of the constitutional amendment in the past, noting that major reforms such as the National Police, power devolution, and formal recognition of traditional institutions failed because of the lack of adequate support from the state legislature.
He expressed optimism that the current constitutional review will bridge the gap and lay the foundation for a stronger and more inclusive federation.
Exercise constitutional review marks other steps in Nigeria’s old efforts to improve the 1999 constitution, which according to many critics does not reflect the federal structure of the state or overcome deep governance problems.
