Janet Samuel, Abuja
The Senate Ad hoc Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution has promised to complete the process of constitutional Amendments within two years.
The Committee Chairman, who is also the Deputy Senate President of the 10th Assembly, stated this at the inaugural meeting of the 47-member committee constituted last week by the Senate.
Barau assured that the committee would work to achieve better results than previous constitution review committees by bringing innovation to bear.
He noted that the committee would work in synergy with counterparts in the House of Representatives, and be strategic in the conduct of its affairs.
“We will be guided by the laws and rules of legislative business, including precedence where it does not conflict with any known rule, while also being innovative where we can”, he said.
“It is important to note that the committee is not constituted to rewrite the 1999 Constitution but to process proposed amendments to it, and we will strive to conclude this assignment within the next 24 months. I enjoin us to be committed to the activities of the committee because the task ahead is huge as some of the issues canvassed by some critical stakeholders are quite delicate”, he said.
“The committee will strongly consult and engage critical stakeholders in a way that will ensure bills passed by the National Assembly will be approved by the State Houses of Assembly and assented to by Mr President”, he added.
In their various contributions. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, of Abia who harped on time management, noted that several bills were not assented to in the previous committee due to mismanagenent of time.
The Senator representing Niger East, Sani Musa, who spoke on behalf of the North Central , urged the committee to prioritise bills that were not assented to in the 9th Assembly, adding that, state police, and devolution of power, should be considered because of its direct impact.
The Senator representing Benue South, Abba Moro, speaking on behalf of the minority groups, said the actions and activities of the committee should be base on equity and fairness, thereby protecting the minority groups in the country.
He said that the committee should create platforms for women to enable them compete favourably, adding that there should be provision for an inclusive society.
Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, urged the committee to put the interest of the nation first before prioritising political, ethnic and religious interests.
