The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, on Saturday declared open the North-West Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution in Kano.
Jibrin said the hearing focused on proposed amendments to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He said the exercise was part of simultaneous public hearings holding across five geopolitical zones of the country.
The lawmaker recalled that the National Assembly had previously passed five sets of constitutional amendments under the First to Fifth Alteration Acts.
He, however, stated that several key issues of national interest still required legislative attention.
“These include electoral and judicial reforms, constitutional reforms, case management and administration, and the role of national institutions in contemporary governance,” he said.
Jibrin listed other areas of interest as human rights, women’s participation in governance, devolution of powers, and issues relating to security and the police service.
He urged the stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the process, assuring that all views would be considered.
“We are open-minded. The committee is committed to considering all viewpoints and perspectives,” he said.
The deputy senate president stressed the importance of civic participation in shaping the country’s constitutional future.
In his remarks, Gov. Abba Yusuf, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Wali Sani, emphasised the need for national unity and fairness.
“We must do things that will unite the nation, promote equity and justice, and foster growth and development, not only for our people but for the Nigerian economy at large,” he said.
Yusuf described the constitution as the soul of a nation’s governance, the compass of its justice system, and the foundation of its collective aspirations.
He opined that any review of the constitution must be approached with fairness, seriousness and inclusiveness.
“It is essential that the process produces a constitution that serves all Nigerians, regardless of region, gender or age.
“It should aim to strengthen national unity, enhance good governance, and promote economic development,” he said.
The governor also called for greater transparency and accountability at all levels of government.
