Senate North East Zonal Public Hearing on the Amendment of the 1999 Constitution held on Friday in Maiduguri
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
Civil society leaders from across the North East have presented a comprehensive and critical memoranda to the Senate North East Zonal Public Hearing on the Amendment of the 1999 Constitution.
The hearing, chaired by Senator Mohammed Tagir Monguno, Senate Chief Whip, and Senator representing Borno North Senatorial District, aimed to gather input from stakeholders on potential constitutional changes.
The Executive Director of NETCSOB State Council, Ambassador Bulama Abiso, presented the CSOs’ memoranda, highlighting the coalition’s efforts to compile broad public views and contributions.
Abiso noted that the civil society organizations, including NUJ, TUC, and other allied unions, have been fully mobilized and prepared to make their impactful contributions throughout the hearing process.
The CSOs’ memoranda covered various issues, including general public health, education, security, safety, housing, and environment.
Abiso prayed for a successful and peaceful hearing process, saying, “We have been fully mobilized and prepared to make our impactful contributions throughout the hearing process and compilation of the memoranda presented and submitted by the CSOs and joint bodies.”
Senator Monguno, in his welcome address, emphasized the importance of citizen participation in the constitutional review process.
He said, “I want to emphasise that many Nigerians believe the challenges we face regarding our Constitution and governance are not solely due to a need for constitutional amendments.
Instead, they stem from our attitude towards life and our commitment to upholding not just the letters of the Constitution, our foundational norm, but also its spirit.”
The Senate Committee on Constitution Review has received hundreds of memoranda addressing key issues, including electoral reforms, judicial reforms, local government administration, and human rights.
The Committee’s mandate is to foster a broad national consensus, rather than echoing the voices of a powerful minority that dominate media platforms.
Monguno urged all stakeholders to provide their input in accordance with the highest ethical standards, saying, “I implore all stakeholders to provide their input in accordance with these standards while maintaining the utmost decorum and responsibility.”
The public hearing is part of the Senate’s efforts to review the 1999 Constitution and address the country’s governance challenges.
The outcome of the hearing is expected to inform the Senate’s decisions on constitutional amendments and reforms.
