The key takeaway from the North West Zonal Public Hearing of the Constitutional Review held over the weekend, in Kaduna, the defunct administrative capital of Northern Nigeria, is that Stakeholders in the region, are shifting away for an entrenched traditional agitation for status-quo, to that of strategic alignment, on what the new constitution should look like.

This observation is deductible from the various position papers submitted by states in the region, on the move by the National Assembly to re-engineered the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The North West zonal public hearing which took place Saturday at the late General Hassan Katsina House, Kawo Kaduna, had in attendance a diverse array of political leaders, civil society groups, traditional rulers, and grassroots stakeholders.

The occasion provided opportunity for the various state, and non-state actors in the region to ventilate their opinions, and make suggesting on the ongoing constitutional review that is expected to capture the aspirations of all Nigerians.

The fact that the region Is moving away from the traditional opposition to true federalism and strategic alignment to a more balance federalism, was reflected in the position of the stakeholders, particularly, the views canvased for by states, such as: Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina states, at the event.

Worthy of note is the call by the Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State Governor, who during the hearing make a case for a far-reaching constitutional reform to entrench true federalism that will grant states control over natural resources within their territories.

Speaking through his deputy, Hadiza Balarabe, Governor Sani stated that the country?s current centralised federal system has not only stifled innovation but also alienated citizens from governance.

The position of the governor as regard this topic, negate what is known over the time as the traditional opposition of political actors in the region to the issue of an entrenched constitutional right that will grant sub-national entities, right over natural resources in their territory.

He said the imbalance In fiscal control and legislative power has exacerbated agitations and instability.

?Our current federal arrangement does not sufficiently reflect the principle of subsidiarity ? where powers and responsibilities are devolved to the level of government closest to the people.

?States must be empowered not only to legislate on local matters but also to control and directly benefit from the resources found within their jurisdictions, while making constitutionally defined contributions to national development,? said.

The governor described fiscal federalism as a constitutional necessity, not a favour to states, saying that ?ignoring these genuine yearnings could continue to undermine Nigeria?s unity.?

He also reiterated his longstanding advocacy for the establishment of state police, noting that bills he sponsored in the 9th Senate were stalled due to political disagreements.

However, he expressed optimism, saying the political consensus for decentralised policing was now stronger than ever.

?Security cannot be national if it is not local. Kaduna is ready to support constitutional amendments that will institutionalise state police and improve our collective security architecture,? he said.

Sani further advocated for the constitutional independence of critical institutions like the judiciary, INEC, and anti-graft agencies, and called for affirmative measures to promote women?s participation in governance.

He also urged for stronger roles and constitutional recognition for traditional rulers as governance partners at the grassroots level.

Another thing what noting which came out of the public hearing was the support given by Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf of Kano State, for the creation of additional states out of the present federated states in Nigeria.

During the public hearing, Governor Abba made case for the creation of an additional state out of the present Kano state, and the creation of 26 new local government areas, while Katsina State emphasized devolution of powers and institutional strengthening as pathways to national unity and democratic consolidation.

In a similar vein, Kano State demanded for the creation of a new state out of its current territory and the establishment of 26 additional local government areas, raising the number from 44 to 70.

Speaking through his deputy, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, Governor Abba said that the demands were rooted in a rigorous, participatory process involving citizens across the state.

?Kano identifies with the yearnings of various communities for restructuring and supports the creation of new states, provided such moves comply with Section 8 of the Constitution,? Gwarzo stated.

?We also strongly advocate the creation of 26 additional local governments to meet the developmental aspirations of our people,? Gwarzo stated.

The Kano memorandum, signed by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, also demanded full constitutional recognition and autonomy for local governments, proposing amendments to Sections 2(2), 7 and 162(5) to solidify their status as the third tier of government.

On security, Kano backed the call for state police, but stressed the need for clear demarcation of responsibilities between state and federal police forces to prevent operational conflict.

The state also proposed a National Council of Traditional Rulers, comprising chairpersons of state traditional councils, to advise the Federal Government on national issues. It pushed for constitutional protection of the appointment process of traditional rulers to guard against political interference.

In the fiscal arena, Kano proposed a revision of the revenue allocation formula?reducing the Federal Government?s share from 52.68% to 40%, increasing state allocations to 35%, and raising LGAs? share to 25%.

?This will ensure fiscal justice, empower states and LGAs to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities and foster balanced development,? the memo read.

Kano also threw its weight behind the National Assembly?s gender equity agenda, pledging support for legislative reforms that would increase women?s representation in politics and governance.

?The memorandum we submitted today reflects the collective will of Kano people. We urge the National Assembly to give our modest proposals the serious consideration they deserve,? Gwarzo said.

Meanwhile, Katsina State presented a position paper delivered by its Governor Dikko Umar Radda, describing the constitution review process as a critical national assignment.

The Governor said the memorandum from Katsina reflected deep stakeholder consultations and prioritised fiscal federalism, institutional reforms, and inclusive governance.

Governor, who was represented by the Attorney General of the State and Commissioner for Justice, Fadila Mohammed Dikko said, ?As we gather here today, we are reminded of the significance of this moment. The Constitution is the foundation of our democracy, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that it is robust, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all Nigerians.

?The position paper that I present to you today is the result of extensive consultations with stakeholders across Katsina State.

?It reflects our commitment to the unity, stability, and progress of Nigeria. We believe that the proposed amendments should prioritize the devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, and the strengthening of institutions.

?We also believe that the Constitution should promote inclusive governance,

Social justice, and human rights. The position paper outlines our stance on key issues, including local government reforms, electoral reforms, judicial reforms, and security and policing.?

He pledged Katsina?s commitment to a united and prosperous Nigeria and called on all stakeholders to approach the amendment exercise with sincerity and patriotism.

?Let us work together to build a Nigeria that is just, equitable, and prosperous for all,? he urged.

In his address, while declaring the public hearing open Madaki Aliyu Sani, chairman of the House of Representatives Sub-Committee on Constitution Review for North West Centre, expressed the commitment of the National Assembly to an inclusive and transparent review process.

?We are not just revising words on paper; we are refining the tools of nation-building,? Madaki, who is also the Deputy Minority Leader of the House, declared.

He said the proc?ss would examine 86 bills across 13 thematic areas, including security, devolution of powers, gender inclusion, traditional institutions, and fiscal reforms.

?No voice will be too small, no idea too radical, and no region too remote to be heard,? he assured.

Meanwhile, while, responding to enquires on what seems to be the shift of public opinion in the region from traditional opposition on key national issues, to that of alignment, Mercy Musa, who is the executive director of Frontier for Peace Advocacy and Governance Initiative (FPAGI), a Kano based NGO, described the development as a positive indicator, that Nigerians are now ready to truly build a new Nigeria.

Mercy noted that the shift in public opinion as witnessed during the North West Zonal Public Hearing represents a golden opportunity for Nigeria to fashion out a pro-people constitution that ensure inclusion that ensure socio-economic and political well -being of all the citizens. (BusinessDay)

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