Tinubu drops bombshell on 1999 constitution

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The president, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, gave the assurance while declaring open a public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution in Abuja.

Tinubu described the ongoing exercise as a “golden opportunity” to entrench good governance, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

“The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It is not static, but a living document that must continually respond to the realities, aspirations, and challenges of our people,” he said.

Commending the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Tinubu noted that the review aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda and praised the inclusive approach adopted by the lawmakers in engaging citizens, civil society, political parties, professional groups, and traditional institutions.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, also restated the legislature’s commitment to participatory governance.

He applauded the Kalu-led ad hoc committee for demonstrating that constitutional amendment “must be a listening exercise before it becomes a legislative one.”

Tajudeen commended the committee’s innovations, such as publishing a compendium of bills, creating online portals for feedback, and organizing zonal sessions to ensure a people-driven process.

He cautioned, however, against prolonged reforms that could erode public trust.

“Reform delayed is reform denied, and Nigerians deserve clarity and closure,” the speaker stressed.

Highlighting key proposals under review, Tajudeen emphasized the need for gender inclusivity, pointing out that women currently occupy less than five percent of seats in the National Assembly.

He backed proposals to reserve additional seats for women at both federal and state levels and to establish constitutional mechanisms for accelerating gender inclusion.

“This is not tokenism but a structural step toward dismantling barriers,” he said, adding that similar provisions would guarantee representation for persons with disabilities and ensure gender balance in ministerial appointments.

He further revealed the importance of recognizing traditional institutions, describing them as “stabilizers in their communities, mediators in conflict, and custodians of culture.”

Deputy Speaker Kalu, in his remarks, advocated for the devolution of powers, including the establishment of state and community policing.

He also emphasized local government autonomy to ensure financial and administrative independence at the grassroots.

According to Kalu, the proposals reflect the demands of Nigerians and not mere legislative impositions.

“The ultimate authority for this process resides with you, the sovereign people of Nigeria,” he declared.