Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki and other stakeholders in the state have canvassed an in-depth review of the country’s Constitution to reflect the will and desire of the people.
The stakeholders made the resolution during an Edo State Summit on the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committees on the 1999 Constitution Review, held at the Government House, Benin City.
Others present at the summit are Secretary to State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq.; Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun; community, religious and traditional leaders and heads of civil society groups, among others.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Comr. Philip Shaibu, noted that the Constitution review was an opportunity for the people to own the process of making a true Nigerian Constitution, rather than delegating it to a section of the people.
According to him, “Edo’s position in the constitutional amendment is that it must represent Edo people; the Government represents the people and our contribution is needed.
“I am appealing to the National Assembly to separate the clauses of all the deeds to be canvassed for, if truly the amended constitution will be a product of Nigeria. This will enable us to have a choice when it’s brought back for adoption at the State House of Assembly, so that our representatives will choose in line with our presentation today.”
The governor noted that, “From today’s presentation, some are clamouring for a one-term of six years for a President and Governors, while others say a term of four years for Chairmen of Local Government Councils.
“Others say bicameral legislature should be replaced by unicameral legislature. The National Assembly should look at the issues as it comes and not join all these issues together. If the Constitution is to be amended, it should be done within the next three months.”
“I want to reassure Edo people that as a matter of responsibility, the government will continue to canvass the view of the people. The governor has always called for the citizens to take charge of the ownership of government as the government belongs to them,” he added.
While delivering his opening speech earlier, Onobun noted that “the need for a public hearing on this issue cannot be overemphasized and it can be compared to a grassroots participation in the constitution building process.
“It is commendable that the National Assembly, in conjunction with the State Houses of Assembly, over the years has undertaken and implemented laudable reforms and reviews on the Constitution that captures the yearnings and aspirations of the people of Nigeria.
“This is a step in the right direction. It is heartwarming to note that the present Constitution has undergone over thirty (30) alterations with further alterations being contemplated, hence the need for this public hearing today.”
Also, a former House of Representative member, Hon. Friday Itulah, noted that there is great need to strengthen local government administration as it is closer to the people at the grassroots.
Presenting a paper titled “Socio-Economic Right as contained in chapter two (2) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999,” Bishop Oriname Oyonnude Kure called for a total rejection of the 1999 Constitution because of its many deficiencies.
“We recommend that a new constitution reflecting our collective interest, diversities and aspirations be put in place by Nigerians,” he said.
