Constitutional review: Kano inaugurates articulation committee

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

As the National Assembly gears up for the review of the 1999 constitution, Kano state government has inaugurated a high-powered Committee to articulate the position of the state and its residents.

A statement by Musa Tanko Muhammad, Press Secretary, Office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Kano state, indicated that the inauguration of the Committee was, “a strategic move to ensure that the voices of the government and people of Kano state are adequately represented in the ongoing constitutional amendment process initiated by the National Assembly.”

Tanko said Kano state government, through the office of the SSG, Alhaji Umar Farouq Ibrahim, inaugurated a 26-member high-powered Committee to articulate the state’s position.

The inauguration ceremony was performed by the SSG, on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Speaking at the event held at the Cabinet Office, Alhaji Farouq stated that the composition of the Committee reflected a deliberate selection of highly respected professionals and leaders of thought, whose experience and contributions to national development are widely recognized.

The Committee is chaired by renowned constitutional lawyer, Prof. Auwalu Yadudu, with former Deputy Governor, Prof. Hafiz Abubakar, serving as Co-Chairman.

Other members include: Barr. A. B. Mahmoud (SAN); Prof. Habu Muhammad (Mambayya House, BUK); Ali Ibrahim Matawalle, Senior Councilor, Kano Emirate Council; Nasidi Abdullahi; Hajiya Azumi Bebeji; Aisha Ibrahim Dankani (mni) Convener, K-LEADS; Hon. Muhammad Tajo Othman, Commissioner for Local Governments

AVM Ibrahim Umar (Rtd), Commissioner for Internal Security & Special Services; Barr. Maliki Kuliya (mni); Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim K/Mata, Commissioner, Ministry of Science & Technology; Hajiya Sa’adatu Salisu Yushe’u, Representative of ALGON; Alhaji Isa Ahmad (mni)

Ibrahim Ado Kurawa; Muzammil Sani Hanga, Representative, Council of Ulama; Faruk Lawal Yola, Representative, Chamber of Commerce; Prof. Bello Ibrahim; Barr. Dahir Ibrahim, Esq., SHMC; Capt. Mansur Umar Kurugu; Dr. Aminu Tukur Adam.

Alhaji Umar Muhammad Jalo, Permanent Secretary, REPA Directorate, Cabinet Office, was appointed to head the secretariat.

Alhaji Jalo will be supported by Abdulkadir Shehu (Director Admin and General services , Office of the Head of Civil Service); Ibrahim Bawa (Director, Archives, Council Affairs Directorate); and Aminu Ibrahim Bichi (Deputy Secretary, REPA), who will serve as Co-Secretaries.

In his address, the SSG urged the Committee to critically analyze the proposed constitutional amendments and identify strategic areas of interest to the people of Kano state.

He noted that such areas include matters relating to Local Government autonomy, the creation of state police, the establishment of a national local government electoral commission, the role of traditional rulers in governance, resource control, and other relevant issues currently under review by the Senate Committee.

He further emphasized the importance of extensive public engagement, encouraging the Committee to mobilize contributions from diverse stakeholders and synthesize them into a comprehensive position paper.

The SSG added that the document would guide legislative input and align with the overall interests of the state on the constitutional review process.

Alhaji Farouq also advised the Committee to ensure proactive media engagements aimed at raising public awareness and fostering inclusive dialogue.

He expressed confidence in their commitment and wished them success in the vital national assignment.

In his acceptance speech, delivered on his behalf by Prof. Habu Muhammad, the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Auwalu Yadudu, expressed gratitude to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the trust reposed in the Committee.

He assured that the team would carry out its assignment with thoroughness and integrity, and called on the public, especially, key stakeholders, to offer maximum support through prayers and constructive contributions to ensure the success of the process.