Constitution Review: LG autonomy, recognition of traditional rulers, equity get priority at Senate retreat 

The constitution that will emerge from the on-going amendment exercise at the National Assembly may pay attention to giving legislative teeth to the Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy, recognition of traditional rulers as well as promotion of equity in the federation.  

At a retreat organised by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review in Kano on Friday, it was also canvassed that specific provisions must be made to give women more opportunities to serve in government in both elective and appointive positions.

The last National Assembly had about 62 issues that were passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives at that time.  In the harmonised version, only 44 were passed and sent to the State Assemblies. Out of those 44, a total of 35 issues were endorsed by the State Assemblies and assented to by the President.

Former President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, urged the present National Assembly to prioritise those issues that were not passed, including women related issues.

“I think the time is right for the womenfolk to be given the opportunity to serve as appropriately as possible,” he said.

On traditional rulers, he noted: “Our royal fathers have roles to play, especially when it comes to dealing with security issues across the country.  

“Can’t we give them an advanced role, official, formal role, that will make them do better?” 

Lawan also believes that financial autonomy for local governments is a necessity.  

“The Supreme Court gave a judgment. This time, the National Assembly should give effect to that judgment.”

According to him, “states should mind their business and deal with the resources that are purely theirs. Our local governments must be resuscitated.”

He observed that, “at the moment, they are comatose, collapsed, completely docile and inefficient.

“In fact, in many states, they don’t even exist in a practical sense. And many of us would attribute the present level of insecurity in Nigeria to the collapse of the local government system in Nigeria,” he added.

Deputy President of the Senate, Jubrin Barau, who declared the retreat open on behalf of President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, charged the National Assembly to pay attention to making amendments that would promote core values of democracy.

“As we embark on this critical journey, let us remember the timeless values that make nations great: freedom, equality and justice. These enduring ideals should guide us through this arduous task.”

He also noted that, “to achieve meaningful reform, we must synergise with our esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Constitution Review and collaborate with critical stakeholders, including the executive arm of government, State Governors, State Assemblies, the judiciary and civil society organisations, to build consensus on contentious issues.”

He stressed: “Our collective success hinges on our ability to work together seamlessly, sharing ideas and expertise to develop a report to be submitted to the Senate for further legislative actions. This retreat presents a unique opportunity for constructive good-faith dialogue and collective problem-solving.”

On commitment to equity and justice, Barau said: “As we embark on this vital journey, let us remain steadfastly committed to justice, equity and progress. Together, we can forge a more robust and inclusive constitutional framework for our beloved nation, Nigeria, as we seek to build a brighter future for all our citizens.”

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, in a speech at the retreat, appealed that the two chambers of the National Assembly should jointly engage with political leaders/traditional rulers and leaders of faith-based organisations as well as the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to facilitate effective amendment to the constitution. 

The Speaker, Conference of State Assembly Speakers, Edward Ogundoyin, commended the early commencement of the review of the constitution as against the previous experience that ran into the electioneering period.

Ogundoyi, who is also the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, however, appealed to the National Assembly to expedite action in the process of transmitting their resolution to the State Assemblies for prompt deliberations.