The National Assembly has transmitted the conference report of the
review of the 1999 constitution to state Houses of Assembly for concurrence.
The report, which was transmitted at the National Assembly yesterday,
was received by the chairman of the Conference of State Houses of Assembly, Rt
Hon Sam Ikon, who is the speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
Receiving the document, Ikon stated that unlike in the past when they
voted against granting state assemblies financial autonomy, they will now take
up the second chance and grant themselves financial autonomy.
The Houses of Assembly are simply expected to vote “Yes” or “No” on
each clause. Each amendment requires approval by resolution of the Houses of
Assembly of not less than two-thirds of all the states, which translates to 24
states, to scale through in accordance with the provisions of Section 9 (2) of the
1999 Constitution.
Assuring that the report would receive accelerated and positive action,
Ikon added, “We appreciate the efforts of both chambers of the National
Assembly in the process of amending the constitution. They have been
championing the cause by introducing completely a new dimension involving the
people at the grassroots. Organising public hearing was to decentralise the
process for people were able to contribute their input freely.
“The transmission of the harmonised version of the bill to state
assemblies signifies the beginning of their roles in the process.
Constitutionally, the roles requiring state legislatures are to ratify the
resolutions of the National Assembly.”
“We can only assure Nigerians that we shall play our roles to produce the
constitution that will reflect the needs of the people devoid of fears and
influences. We are determined to show our will to support changes that we have
found in the course of our democracy. Reference has been made to the issue of
financial autonomy to states. Let me plead that we forget the past”.
Presenting the proposed amendment, Senate president, David Mark said
that the essence of the alterations is to get the views of all Nigerians and
look at areas where there are problems. He urged the State Houses of Assembly
to do what is right and use the opportunity to bring governance nearer to the
people.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999
constitution, who is also the deputy president of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu,
appealed to the state Houses of Assembly to treat the report before December
this year.
He stated that the amendments represent the will of the Nigerian
people, adding that the legislature has long recognised that to secure the
future of Nigeria in political, social and economic terms, it must invariably
review the constitution to meet the aspirations and needs of the diverse people
and facilitate national development in an equitable manner.
Ekweremadu also noted that the durability of constitution depends on public
support as citizens are less inclined to support a constitution that was made
without their input.
“By involving citizens in the constitution review process, the
legislature has indeed made a huge stride in rekindling the sense of optimism
and inclusivity”, he stated.
He said “It is our conviction that this people-centred amendment will
make Nigerians feel vested in their government, encourage and challenge them to
remain active and engaged in the political process, raising questions,
demanding answers and criticising leaders who fail to perform.
“There is no doubt that broad citizens’ participation,
which was the mainstay of the review process, will add value to the democratic
process and improve the quality of governance.”
“The amendments set out institutional and legal reforms, which together
with sufficient political will, may help to provide for constitutional and
other legal guarantees for the practice of true federalism; provide for
accountability and transparency in governance; and, create an independent
judicial system that would ensure the proper administration of justice in
Nigeria.”
“Strengthen the legislature’s authority to enable it to serve as an
effective pillar of checks and balance to the executive;Strengthen independent
constitutional bodies;Strengthen citizenship as a source of national identity;
Create and strengthen a culture of good governance;
“Recognise national diversity as a source of richness and wealth; and
Address the issues of corruption, ethnicity, waste of resources, revenue
leakages and unbridled government spending.
“Review our legislative list for improved federalism- We hope that
there will be a corresponding review of the revenue distribution formula to
reflect the redistribution of our legislative list. “
In his remarks, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives and
chairman of the House adhoc Committee on Review of the Constitution, Hon. Emeka
Ihedioha, said the National Assembly did not target anybody or institution in
passing the amendment bill of the 1999 Constitution.
He added that the National Assembly acted in the overall best interest
of Nigerians in passing the bill and urged the state legislatures to also act
likewise.
“Let me use this opportunity to say that we are not at loggerheads
with anybody or institution. Some of the amendments are not intended to little
down the powers of any tier of government, or to undermine any tier.
“They simply reflect the views of Nigerians which was expressed at the
Peoples Public Sessions, conducted in the 360 Federal Constituencies of
Nigeria.
“I dare say that in a Constitutional democracy which we are operating,
the voice of the people should count for something. It is easy for some people
to sit in the comfort of their offices and homes and pontificate on what they think
that Nigerians want. It is a different thing when the view of Nigerians are
sought directly as we did.
“As individuals and actors we may differ from the views of the people
on grounds of principles of federalism and other reasons. But as democrats, we
are bound to respect their views.
“The practice of federalism varies from one country to another and
reflects to a large extent the country’s history, traditions, practices and
precedents. Nigerians have chosen the type of federalism they want. We should
respect it.
“To each of our institutions, the Constitution gave a sacred mandate
and a unique role. We have played our part. We expect you to play yours,” he
stated.
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