Ikeja: The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution says it has heard Nigerians loud and clear after its public hearings on the review of the 1999 constitution and will take appropriate steps on all issues raised. Sen. Jubrin Barau, the Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Constitution Review Committee, said this while speaking with newsmen at the close of the South-West Public Hearing held in Ikeja Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Barau, who was represented by his Vice Chairman and Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, said that the committee would report back to the Senate, which would deliberate on all submissions and propositions. He mentioned that the final draft of the ongoing constitutional amendment would be sent to the state House of Assembly for ratification before the end of 2025.
When asked about the predominant demands of various groups and individuals in the zone, Barau highlighted issues of state creation, state police, electoral and judicial reforms, devolution of power, resource control, and special seats for women, among others. He emphasized that the public hearing should not be considered as a jamboree and assured that all issues would be given quality attention to redefine governance and move the nation forward.
Barau also noted the gains of the past constitutional amendments, particularly in the electoral system reforms. He assured that the Senate would continue to give Nigerians the chance to participate in law-making and governance, adding that the essence of the review is to ensure that the constitution is not changed without popular consensus.
He further stated: "We are looking to address lots of issues raised by the youth, the women, the traditional rulers, the professionals, and other stakeholders for good governance and a better Nigeria. We have heard Nigerians very loud and clear, and we are going to Abuja to file our report and conclude this process."
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that several organizations including youth, students, and women groups made presentations at the public hearing. Barau listed focus areas of the public hearing to include constitutional rights and freedom, electoral reforms, federalism and resource control, judicial reform, human rights and socio-justice, inclusive governance, security and policing, devolution of powers, institutional reforms, fiscal reforms, fundamental rights, and state creation.