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Const: Empowerment of Women, State Police amendment, other best requests in the North Central
The Committee of the Chamber of Representatives on the revision of the 1999 Constitution convened its North Zonal public hearing on Saturday 12 July, at the Akwe Doma Banquet Hall in Lafia, State of Nasarawa, drawing different voices from Nasarawa, Benue, Plothau States and The Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The event, chaired by Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris, who guides the North Central Center B of the revision process, was a significant step in the current efforts by the National Assembly to change the Constitution in line with the Nigerian aspirations.
The governors of the participating states were skillfully represented by their general lawyers and justice-bar commissioners. Isaac Danladi (Nasarawa), Barr. Filemone Dafi (Plateau) and Barr. Fedelix Mnyim (Benue): who, after having delivered messages of goodwill, formally presented the positions of the respective states on key constitutional issues.
At the top of the list of issues raised during the resolutions were:
Empowerment and representation
State police institution to deal with the challenge of local security
Recognition of the territory of the federal capital (FCT) as a state with full legislative rights
Global electoral reforms to guarantee free, right and credible elections
The public audition has attracted a large participation from a transversal section of the company, including traditional sovereigns, religious leaders, academics, civil society organizations, unions, groups of women, youth associations and other interested citizens.
The speaker after speaker underlined the need for a Constitution led by the people who truly reflects the wishes of all the Nigerians. Leading women, in particular, have asked for greater political representation and gender equity in governance structures. Several groups of young people have supported the inclusion and policies that support the creation of jobs and innovation.
Safety was another great concern, with almost all interested parties who have thrown their weight behind the creation of the State Police as a solution that can be practicable to the safety situation in deterioration of Nigeria, in particular in rural communities.
There was also a strong request that the FCT was granted full recognition and rights similar to those appreciated by other states, including the establishment of its assembly house.
In his observations, president of the session, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris, praised the enthusiasm and depth of the observations, ensuring the participants that the committee will faithfully reflect the positions articulated during the hearing in its final report.
The process of reviewing the Constitution is part of the wider commitment of the National Assembly in strengthening democracy, promoting unity and promoting good government in Nigeria. Similar zonal auditions are underway in the six geopolitical areas of the country.
The North Central session in Lafia ended with renewed requests for inclusive governance and a constitutional framework that guarantees justice, equity and progress for all Nigerians.
