By Onwe Wisdom
...national interest is ourĀ priority -Sen. Barau
…I enjoin the committee to be timely -Sen. Aberibe
The committee have to widen consultation and creat platform for diaspora and youth participation-Sen. Tabuwa
The red chamber of the Nigerian National Assembly has today inaugurated a 47 man committee to pursue the amendment of the 1999 amended constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the committee, Sen. Enyinnaya Aberibe, representing Abia South noted that the timeliness of the working of the committee is very important as they pursue the amendment, concerned that some of the amendment to the constitution in precious governments didn’t received president assent because some of the recommended amendment required before president assent couldnot be effected before the end of that tenure. Hence, Abaribe enjoins the Committee to work within a calendar that will allow for such amendment and subsequent assent of Mr. present.
He therefore enjoined the committee to be timely in their working andĀ submission.
In the same vein, the immediate past Gov. of Sokoto state and Senator representing Sokoto South, Sen. Aminu Tambuwal while commending the leadership of the 10th Senate for the committee, notes that the committee should widen their consultation and creat platform for diaspora and youth participation in the process.
The Deputy Senate President who doubled as the Chairman of the Constitution Amendment Committee, senator representing Kano North, Sen. Barau Jibrin in his inaugural remark charged members of the committee to prioritize national interest above every other interest in the discharge of their duty, noting that being a member of the committee comes with enormous responsibilities and he is confident that they will bring theirbwealth of knowledge and experience to bare in the committee.
He added that the leadership of the 10th Senate is conscious of the agitation from all Nigerians for justice, equity and fairness hence the composition of the committee which drew membership from all state of federation by ranking, gender, legislative experience etc. to demonstrate the commitment their commitment justice, equity and fairness.
Sen. Jibrin says that inclusivity is key and the committee has a time frame of 24 months lifespan for its submission.