Constitution Review: Stakeholders demand creation of new state from Bauchi
By Samuel Luka,
Bauchi
Ahead of the planned review of the Nigerian Constitution, stakeholders in Bauchi State have called for the creation of state out of state out of the present Bauchi which has 20 local government areas.
The stakeholders also asked the National Assembly to ensure constitutional role for traditional rulers, create more local government areas out of Bauchi state.
They made the demand when the Senator representing Bauchi South at the national assembly, Senator Shehu Buba Umar of the All Progressives Congress (APC) engaged them on the proposed constitution Review under consideration for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.
Senator Buba who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence organised a one day Townhall Summit in collaboration with the All Progressive Congress (APC) Bauchi South Zonal Executive Committee
on the Proposed Review of the 1999 Constitution Tuesday.
The summit according to the Senator, was meant to foster inclusive and participatory
dialogue on key constitutional issues affecting our nation.
It also brought together key stakeholders, including, government representatives, Civil Society Organisations, traditional rulers, legal experts, youth and women groups, trade unions, political class, artisans and the general public to deliberate on pressing areas of the constitutional reforms.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman zonal executive committee for the review of the constitution, Honourable Abdulmumini Mohammed Kundak said the Summit aims to gather meaningful contributions and a collective position that will shape a constitution that truly reflects the aspirations and diversity of the Nigerian people.
He explained that, after the Summit, the positions adopted therein would be subsequently presented at the Zonal Public Hearing organised by the National Assembly in Maiduguri, Borno State.
He assured the participants that their voice of wisdom will be used toward shaping a better future for the country.
The stakeholders at the meeting took significant step toward streamlining the process for the submission of memoranda procedure.
They resolved to constitute a committee specifically tasked with collecting and reviewing all memoranda submitted by interested communities.
Our Correspondent gathered that the committee will not only gather the documents but also harmonize them to remove inconsistencies, duplication or conflicting interests among communities with similar requests.
The harmonization of the memoranda, according to the meeting is crucial to presenting a united and coherent position when the submissions reach the next stage at the zonal collation center in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated committee, Barrister Ibrahim Yakubu Umar, who was appointed as its chairman, assured all stakeholders of the committee’s readiness to act swiftly and efficiently.
He emphasized the importance of timely coordination and pledged that the collation and forwarding of memoranda would be done without delay.
Barrister Umar also reiterated the committee’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and thorough consultation with all relevant communities to ensure that no voice is left unheard in the process.