Constitution amendment: Oyo speaker, Ogundoyin pledges support.

By Genesis Ogiri, Abuja.

 The Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Nigeria and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, assured that he would collaborate with the constitution review committees of the National Assembly for the timely delivery of a constitution that met the yearnings of the people. 

Monday NEWSWAY reports that the inaugural ceremony and citizens engagement forum held at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton hotel, Abuja. 

At the event attended by the state Assembly Speakers, Monarchs, Heads of security Agencies and diplomats 

While addressing the journalists in Abuja at the inaugural ceremony and citizens engagement , of the House of Representatives Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended, he promised to work assiduously whatever the federal legislature altered in the reviewed constitution.

The alated Honourable speaker Said, "it is heartening that we are about to begin another round of constitutional review in order to address and amend some fundamental deficiencies and inadequacies in our law.

"He said as a true  Federalist, I supported a system of Government in which States come under a central authority but are empowered by the constitution to address their own challenges and determine their own fate on some key issues.

"He however lent his  voice to the call for the amendment of Section 45 of the Exclusive Legislative List of the second schedule of the constitution which places the police and other Government security agencies established by law under the control of the federal government. This will allow for the creation of State Police.
"He maintained that through the Conference Of Speakers Of State Legislatures of Nigeria, all State Houses of Assembly will collaborate and work diligently and strategically with the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in order to ensure that the documents are expeditiously ratified once they are passed down to us by the National Assembly.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has said equal opportunities would be accorded all Nigerians to contribute their quota to the ongoing efforts to shape Nigeria’s future.

The deputy speaker, who doubles as the Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, gave the assurance while delivering his opening remarks at the inauguration of the  Committee in Abuja, yesterday.

Kalu said the committee would work diligently to realise its mandate within a reasonable timeframe.
Thus, the call to action is clear, and the pathway forward is illuminated by the principles of dialogue, advocacy, participation, unity, and inclusivity.

“Let us heed the voices of our fellow citizens, from all walks of life, and engage in open, inclusive, and transparent dialogue on constitutional reform. Let us bridge divides, build consensus, and forge a common vision for the future of Nigeria.

“We must advocate tirelessly for change, holding our elected representatives accountable and demanding accountability at every turn. Participation is not merely a right; it is a sacred duty bestowed upon us as citizens of this great nation.

“I call upon everyone of you to actively participate in the constitutional reform process, to lend your voices, ideas, and expertise to craft a constitution that reflects the values and aspirations of all Nigerians.

“The Constitution Review Committee of the 10th National Assembly stands ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

“Leveraging the power of technology, social media, and inclusive engagement, we will ensure that every voice is heard, every perspective is considered, and every citizen is empowered to participate in the shaping of our nation’s future,” he said.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, assured that the Senate Committee on Constitution Review would work hand in hand with the house committee to ensure a smooth exercise.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, also assured that the UK government would continue to offer its support to ensure democracy deepened and thrived in Nigeria

Speaking at the panel discussion, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, and the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, lamented that traditional rulers had been stripped of their roles in the 1999 constitution, which had a negative impact on their societies, adding that this is the time for the correction to be effected.

Meanwhile,Nigerians were advised to actively participate in the constitutional reform process whether through public consultations,town hall meetings,online forums or other means of engagement.

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