A joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution review has assured that the retreat organized with speakers of states Assemblies provides an opportunity to interface, reflect and engage as partners working for the peace, unity and development of
Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Committee Senator Ovie Omo Agege gave the assurance at the opening ceremony of a one day conference of speakers of the thirty-six states of the Federation on the review of the Constitution.
Senator Omo Agege said the requirement of section 9 of the Constitution, positions State legislatures as critical partners in Constitution alteration.
He further believes that the success of the process largely depends on their support and partnership, going forward, after the passage of the proposals by the National Assembly
The Deputy Senate President also said the proposed amendments in the bills set out institutional and legal reforms, which together with sufficient political will, would help to strengthen institutions of governance,
He explained that the review provides for accountability and transparency in governance, and create an independent judicial system that would ensure effective administration of justice in Nigeria.
Also in opening remarks, the Deputy Speaker of the House Representatives, Idris Wase assured Nigerians that as legislatures they have no preconceived position on the review rather will allow Nigerians to air their views, give their position and converse whatever necessary to make Nigeria great
He said this would go along the way through the states houses if Assemblies for robust considerations and inputs
Speaking, the Chairman Conference of State Houses of Assembly and Speaker Bauchi state Hon Abubakar Sulaiman commended the efforts of the National Assembly toward this review
He urged both state and the National Assembly to use the opportunity to redress challenges of insecurity, economy, devolution of powers and weak institutions by involving other stakeholders in this exercise such as the executive arm for the effective accomplishment of the exercise.
COV/ Bashir M
