Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya says the process of constitution amendment is amongst the finest attributes of a functional democracy, describing constitution as a living document that has to be in tune with the views of people and current realities.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya gave this indication at the opening of the North- East zonal public hearing ( Gombe Centre) on the review of the 1999 constitution being held at the conference hall of the International Hotel Gombe.
The Governor noted that as the society undergoes changes across its social, political and economic spheres, constitutional amendment becomes necessary in order for it to reflect present realities and articulate future aspirations.
“The Nigerian constitution begins with the words ‘We the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’ because it captures the yearnings and aspirations of the overwhelming majority of our people. Therefore, constitution amendment is a people-driven process. And since democracy is defined as government of the people, for the people and by the people; it is therefore important that all Nigerian people have a say on how the constitution is framed, how it is run and how it is maintained”.
He noted that the public hearing is convened by the National Assembly as part of its statutory responsibilities, noting that the meeting will give Nigerians the opportunity to make clear their positions on how they want their country to be governed as well as the various political, social and economic arrangements underpinning the nation’s democracy.
“As the legitimate representative of our people, the national assembly (in collaboration with their counterparts at the state assemblies) is the only institution charged with amending the constitution. I’m therefore calling on all disgruntled elements to desist from utterances and actions that are capable of undermining our constitutional order. Instead, all aggrieved parties should embrace dialogue and pursue their legitimate aspirations through their elected representatives at both national and state levels”.
He said in order to fully participate in the process, the State has mobilized the people and held extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders in order to come up with a unified position that represents the collective aspirations of the citizens.
The Governor said at the end of the meeting, all positions and recommendations from the three States of Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba will be aggregated and properly documented for further consultation.
“It is our hope that given our unique challenges as people of the Northeast subregion, we shall come up with positions that will enhance the course of national unity and cohesion, regional integration and local economic development. Already, under my administration, we have seen strong cooperation at the regional level, culminating in the birth of the North East Governors Forum whose inaugural meeting was held here in Gombe”.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed confidence that given the caliber of people in the committee and the quality of representations from the three participating States, the townhall meeting will provide innovative ideas on how to strengthen the constitutional system and enhance the social and economic conditions of the people.
The Governor ceased the opportunity to call for prayers for security and peaceful coexistence among States and the country at large, commending the sacrifices of the armed forces towards national unity, peace and stability.
“We in Gombe State and the North-east subregion are committed to Nigeria’s unity, and to a democratic constitutional process that is built on the foundation of justice, equity and fairness”.
He called on traditional rulers, community leaders, political elites, faith-based; civil liberty and non-governmental organisations as well as members of the academia and the general public to engage in robust, constructive and healthy conversation on the way forward for the country across all areas of interest or concern.
The Governor equally called on guests from Adamawa and Taraba States as well as the members of the constitution review committee to fully explore and enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Gombe State nicknamed the Jewel in the Savannah.
Earlier speaking, the chairman of Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution and Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo Agege, said the committee decided to adopt the bottom top approach in order to first listen to the hues and cries of Nigerians before having it at the National level.
Represented by the chairman of the North East Zonal sub- committee, Senator Danjuma Goje, the Deputy Senate President said the bottom top approach underscores the critical importance the constitution review committee places on sub national levels in the governance of Nigeria.
“Surely and without a doubt the success of the review process will be dependent and supportive pillar upon which the committee’s work is to be anchored that is why we deemed it prudent to meet with you first, in other words, this exercise is your own and I implore you to own it”.
He said at the commencement of the 9th Senate, the red chamber set for itself a legislative agenda as a basis on which Nigerians can assess them, describing the constitutional amendment as one of the prominent agenda to address topical issues like judicial and electoral reforms, local government autonomy and devolution of powers.
Earlier, goodwill messages from the speakers of the Houses of Assembly of Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba were delivered with a call on the participants to cooperate with the Senate committee during the exercise through expressing their views in tandem with the laid down constitutional provisions.
The event was massively attended by key stakeholders that include traditional rulers, civil society groups, faith based organisations from across the three participating states.
Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
( Press Affairs)
Government House
Gombe
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