Borno Gov Congratulates 10th National Assembly as Northeast Zonal Public Hearing on 1999 Constitution Review Commences in Maiduguri
By Bulama Talba
The Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has congratulated the 10th National Assembly for initiating the review process of the 1999 Constitution.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, made the commendation during the opening ceremony of the Northeast Zonal Public Hearing on the constitutional review held at the Muhammadu Indimi International Conference Centre, University of Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum lauded the leadership of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for undertaking the constitutional review and described the initiative as a commendable effort to provide Nigerians with the opportunity to directly participate in shaping the nation’s fundamental laws.
“This public hearing provides a unique platform for Nigerians from all walks of life to present their views, yearnings, and aspirations to be enshrined in the Constitution,” Zulum stated.,adding that “the ongoing calls for constitutional amendment reflect the need to adapt to evolving societal demands, address shortcomings, and strengthen the political framework of our great nation.”
He urged all participants to freely submit memoranda and proposals, expressing hope that the contributions made during the hearing would help build a greater and better Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Northeast Zonal Committee on Constitution Review and Chief Whip of the 10th Senate, Barr. Mohammed Tahir Monguno, who represented the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Jibrin Barau, CFR, explained that similar hearings were taking place simultaneously across all six geo-political zones of the country.
He noted that since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, the call for constitutional amendments has been persistent and robust.
He highlighted that the National Assembly has already enacted five alteration Acts to address issues related to good governance and institutional reforms but acknowledged that many fundamental national issues remain unresolved.
Senator Barau emphasized that the current review seeks to gather public input to guide legislative action on critical constitutional reforms aimed at enhancing governance and promoting the welfare of Nigerian citizens.
Also speaking, the Shehu of Borno, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, CFR, described the Constitution as a man-made document that must be regularly reviewed to reflect societal changes.
He urged stakeholders to approach the process with collective wisdom and sincerity of purpose.
The former Senate President of the 9th Assembly, also a member of the Northeast Zonal Committee on Constitution Review, Senator Ahmad Lawan called for a comprehensive approach to the amendments, beyond just the creation of new states and local governments.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, who spoke on behalf of speakers from the Northeast, said the review exercise offers Nigerians a golden opportunity to strengthen democracy, promote fairness, and build a better country.
He emphasized the importance of granting full autonomy to State Houses of Assembly, a long-standing issue that has yet to be resolved.
Hon. Lawan expressed the hope that the constitutional review would address critical areas such as devolution of powers, security architecture, resource control, local government autonomy, and judicial reforms.
“Let this review promote justice, equity, unity, and sustainable development,” he said.
