Kaduna: The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) commenced a Zonal Public Hearing for the North-West Centre ‘A’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the centre comprised Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States.
In his welcome address, Madaki Sani, Deputy Minority Leader and Chairman of the Sub-Committee on Constitution Review for North-West Centre A, emphasized that the constitution must be a living document reflecting the will of the people while evolving with national realities. The exercise is set to focus on 86 bills across 13 thematic areas, including Electoral and Judicial Reforms, Inclusive Governance, State and Local Government Creation, Security and Policing, Fiscal Reforms, Traditional Institutions, Fundamental Rights, Citizenship, and Indigeneship.
Sani assured the sub-committee’s commitment to an inclusive and participatory process, stating that no voice would be too small or idea too radical to be considered. Representing Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe lauded the National Assembly’s initiative, describing the hearing as a moment of national reckoning. She urged delegates to act as nation-builders and called for urgent reforms in Institutional Independence, State Policing, True Federalism, and Gender Inclusion.
The Kano State Government, represented by its Deputy Governor, submitted a detailed memorandum advocating the creation of 26 new local governments, full local government autonomy, and state police establishments. It also proposed a revised revenue sharing formula and supported aligning general elections with Independence Day to allow time for resolving post-election litigations.
Katsina State, represented by Attorney General Fadila Dikko, reiterated support for devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, and stronger institutions. Its position paper endorsed reforms in electoral processes, judiciary, local governance, and security, describing the hearing as crucial for building a just and inclusive Nigeria.
The Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmad Bamalli, called for constitutional recognition of traditional institutions, highlighting their historical role in promoting peace and development. He urged the national assembly to ensure traditional leaders’ roles are formally captured in the constitution.
NAN reports that the event saw participation from traditional rulers, civil society groups, professional bodies, women, youth leaders, and representatives of marginalized communities from the four states.