The Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has stated that the input of citizens is necessary in the ongoing public hearings on constitutional amendment.
Sani made the remarks when members of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Constitution Amendment paid a courtesy call at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House ahead of the public hearing in Kaduna today (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 in the national framework,” the governor said.
He 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,” Sani remarked.
He urged civil society organisations, professional bodies, including women and youth groups, as well as traditional and religious organisations, to participate in the public hearing, which will be held at Hassan Usman Kastina House, Kawo.
He advised the people of Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states to ”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,” the governor added.
Sani 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 him, it is not healthy to exclude the ideas and experiences of half of the nation’s population from decision-making, adding that Nigeria has been losing the benefits of women’s participation for so long because they were excluded from the political arena.
Meanwhile, 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.”
