Constitution Review: Senate sets stage for zonal public hearings

By Paul Dada

The Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution is set to hold a two-day zonal public hearing in Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.

The hearings, scheduled for July 4 and 5, aim to capture citizens’ voices on critical issues shaping the country’s governance future.

The public hearing locations will hold in Lagos (southwest), Enugu (southeast), Ikot Ekpene (south south), Jos (north central), Maiduguri  (north east)  and Kano (north west).

Key Issues for discussion include local government autonomy, creation of state autonomy, fiscal governance, state creation,  gender equity, role of traditional institutions, judicial reforms and electoral reforms.

A statement issued by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President and Committee Chairman, Senator Barau I Jibrin, on Sunday, said “This is a critical moment for our democracy. We are calling on all Nigerians to be part of this national dialogue.

“The aim is to ensure that the voices of citizens are reflected in the constitution that governs them.”