The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) commenced a zonal public hearing for the North-West Centre ‘A’ on Saturday in Kaduna.

The centre comprised Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa.

In his welcome address, Madaki Sani, deputy minority leader and chairman of the Sub-Committee on Constitution Review, North-West Centre A, stated that the hearing marked an important milestone in Nigeria’s legislative and democratic journey.

He stated that the Constitution remained a living document that must reflect the will of the people and evolve in response to national realities.

The chairman highlighted that the exercise would focus on 86 bills across 13 thematic areas, including electoral and judicial reforms, inclusive governance, state and local government creation, security, and policing, fiscal reforms, traditional institutions, fundamental rights, citizenship, and indigeneship, among others.

Mr Sani reaffirmed the subcommittee’s commitment to an inclusive, participatory process.

Governor Uba Sani lauded the National Assembly’s initiative.

Mr Sani described the hearing as a “moment of national reckoning” and urged the delegates to act as “nation-builders, not just technocrats.

Mr Sani called for urgent reforms in areas such as Institutional Independence,State Policing, True Federalism, and
Gender Inclusion.

The governor recalled the legislative efforts he made during his time in the Senate to establish State Police Forces, acknowledging a renewed nationwide consensus for decentralised security.

In its presentation, the Kano government submitted a detailed memorandum advocating the creation of 26 new local governments,full local government autonomy, and state police establishments

He also spoke of the need for recognition of traditional rulers and comprehensive fiscal reforms.

Kano also proposed a revised revenue sharing formula, reducing the federal allocation from 52.68 per cent to 40 per cent, increasing the states’ share to 35 per cent, and the local governments’ share to 25 per cent.

It also supported fixing general elections on May 29 and swearing in on October 1 to align with Independence Day and allow the Courts time to resolve post-election litigations.

The Katsina government, represented by its attorney general, Fadila Dikko, reiterated support for devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, and stronger institutions.

Katsina’s position paper also endorsed reforms in electoral processes, the judiciary, local governance, and security.

Mr Dikko described the hearing as a crucial step in “building a just, equitable and inclusive Nigeria,” and commended the national assembly for its leadership in driving the review process.

The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamalli, called for constitutional recognition of traditional institutions.

He recalled their historical role in promoting peace and development long before the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria in 1914.

Bamalli expressed concern that the 1999 constitution failed to acknowledge the relevance of traditional rulers, hence the need for an urgent revision.

The emir commended members of the national assembly for advocating on behalf of traditional leaders, and urged them to ensure that their roles were formally captured in the constitution.

(NAN)