Uba Sani: Public Hearing Is Key To Constitution Amendment

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has noted that the quality of the 1999 constitution which is undergoing amendment, depends on the ongoing public hearings where citizens will be making input. The Governor made this known when members of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Amendment paid a courtesy call at Sir Kashim Ibrahim […]

Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has noted that the quality of the 1999 constitution which is undergoing amendment, depends on the ongoing public hearings where citizens will be making input.

The Governor made this known when members of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Amendment paid a courtesy call at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House on Friday, ahead of the public hearing which holds on Saturday.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, the Governor commended the committee for taking the important assignment of constitution amendment out of Abuja to the zones, thereby bringing the process closer to the people.

‘’This is democracy in action; broadening participation, encouraging robust conversation and ensuring that diverse perspectives and voices across the country are heard and reflected on the national framework,’’ she added.

• Shake-up in Edo Govt House as Okpebholo kicks against restriction of supporters
• Popular social media influencer Dan Bello arrested, released at Kano Airport

Dr Balarabe reiterated that the constitution is the foundational document of any nation, adding that ‘’its review is not merely a legal exercise. It is a bold democratic act. It is about addressing perceived imbalances, fixing structural and governance flaws, strengthening federalism and responding to the genuine yearnings of Nigerians for a more fair, just, inclusive and effective system.’’

The Deputy Governor urged civil society organisations, professional bodies, including women and youth groups as well as traditional and religious organisations, to participate at the public hearing which will be held at Hassan Usman Kastina House, Kawo.

Dr Balarabe maintained that the people of Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa and Katsina States should ‘’take advantage of the proximity and openness of this zonal sitting.

‘’This is indeed an opportunity to make our positions known constructively, boldly and patriotically. The quality of the constitution depends on the input that we bring into this process. Let us not sit on the sidelines; let us be heard,’’ she added.

Dr Balarabe expressed delight that the committee has identified the ‘’weak participation of women in politics as something worth addressing. I am therefore in support of the constitution amendment that will grant women a special quota in elected and appointive positions in government.’’

According to her, it is not healthy to exclude the ideas and experiences of half of the nation’s population in decision making, adding that Nigeria has been losing the contributions of women’s participation for so long because they were excluded from the political arena.

Speaking earlier, the leader of the delegation, Hon Aliyu Sani Madaki thanked Kaduna State Government for accepting to host the public hearing, adding that the committee ‘’is here to listen. We don’t have any opinion; the opinion of the people is our opinion.’’