HOR Commits To Participatory Constitution Review

The leadership of the House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to a participatory constitution review process, calling on citizens across the North-West to engage fully in the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

Deputy Minority Leader, Mr Aliyu Madaki made the appeal in Kaduna during a courtesy visit to Governor Uba Sani, ahead of Saturday’s North-West Zonal Public Hearing.

Mr Madaki said the hearing would feature inputs from stakeholders in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa States as part of the 11th Constitution Amendment process.

“The process is open to everyone. We want to hear the voices of Nigerians and reflect their aspirations,” Madaki told reporters, emphasizing that all contributions would be forwarded to state assemblies following parliamentary procedure.

He reminded the public that constitutional amendments require the approval of two-thirds of state legislatures—24 states and the FCT—before they can be enacted.

Madaki was accompanied by several lawmakers including Victor Ogene, Bob Solomon, Abubakar Fulata, and Amos Magaji, alongside zonal committee officials.

Governor Uba Sani, represented by the Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, praised the House for decentralizing the hearing process.

“This is democracy at work—ensuring that governance is inclusive and representative,” she said.

Dr. Balarabe described the constitution review as a vital democratic obligation aimed at addressing national challenges.

She called attention to key reform issues including devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, judicial reform, and gender equity.

She also voiced support for special quotas for women in politics, stressing the need to correct the historical marginalization of women, especially in northern Nigeria.

Meanwhile, in Maiduguri, the North-East Constitution Review Committee, led by Minority Whip, Isa Ali, visited Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum as part of a similar engagement.

Ali said the House is committed to capturing the voices of Nigerians on matters such as the role of traditional rulers and national security.

The committee also consulted with the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Umar Garbai, who emphasized the need to prioritize security reforms in the constitutional process.

Borno Deputy Governor Usman Kadafur lauded the House for its efforts, but expressed deep concern over the persistent insecurity affecting northern Nigeria.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji