Senator Sadiq Suleimon Umar, representing Kwara North, has disclosed that the ongoing constitutional review will afford Nigerians the opportunity for broader inclusion and consequently address many pressing issues that have threatened the country’s unity.

Speaking at Wednesday’s Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kwara Television Chapel’s Press Week, Suleiman highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of Nigeria’s ongoing constitutional review.

Appearing as the guest speaker, the lawmaker said the review would address the historically marginalised groups and allow the people to take ownership of their governance.

He said, “The review offers a platform to entrench gender and youth inclusion, ensuring that our democracy is truly participatory.

“It also presents the chance to deepen federalism, through mechanisms like devolution of powers, state policing, and enhanced local government autonomy. Equally, this process can help strengthen national institutions, making them more independent, efficient, and credible in the eyes of citizens.”

Discussing the topic: ‘Pros and cons of ongoing constitutional review,’ he alerted Nigerians to the challenges and potential pitfalls that may accompany the task of the ongoing review.

He observed that many elites benefit from the current structure and may not support reforms that limit their control.

He pointed at the seeming lack of public awareness of the proposed changes, which may weaken the legitimacy of the process.

He expressed due implementation of the outcome of the ongoing review process, which he said had characterised other national discussions in the past.

He said: “Another worry is the implementation gap – we’ve seen amendments passed in the past that were never put into practice.”

He also highlighted the risk of ethnic and regional tensions hijacking the process if conversations are not handled sensitively and inclusively, considering it a challenge likely to undermine the process.

He urged the media, as a critical stakeholder, to demystify the process by informing the citizens and holding the leaders accountable.

“Ultimately, the constitutional review is a chance for Nigeria to reinvent itself, not merely by rewriting words on paper, but by reaffirming our commitment to justice, equity, and unity. This is not a task for politicians alone, but for every Nigerian.

“May we seize this moment with courage and clarity, and may our Constitution become a true mirror of our collective values and dreams.

“This year’s Press Week reflects that responsibility, as it provides a platform for national dialogue and civic enlightenment,” he stated.