By ABDULLAHI MOHAMMED

The creation of new states and Local Government Areas (LGAs) topped proposals from agitators at the North-East public hearing on Constitution review from the region.

Speaking at the opening of the two-day Zonal public hearing in Maiduguri on Friday, Sen. Jibrin Barau, the Deputy Senate President who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review (CRC), expressed satisfaction with the turn-out of people at the hearing.

Barau, who was represented by Sen. Tahir Monguno, the Senate Chief Whip, assured the people of the region of Senate commitment to protect the interest of every individual and group seeking for any amendment without bias.

“Members of the Committee hold no preconceived opinions to impose upon you but are committed to being guided by legislative practices grounded in the highest ethical standards, integrity, open-mindedness, and patriotism.

“I urge everyone present to recognise their participation in this process as a vital civic duty and a contribution to the advancement of our democratic practices and the shaping of our national destiny.

“However, several fundamental issues of national importance remain unresolved, requiring more than just routine law-making by the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.

“These issues continue to dominate public discourse, with many Nigerians advocating for legislative action to address them,” the chairman said.

Barau however observed that many Nigerians believed that the challenges being faced in the country regarding constitutional and governmental affairs were not solely due to a need for constitutional amendments.

He said that in response to growing demands, the 10th Senate mandated the committee to foster a broad national consensus, rather than echo the voices of a powerful minority that dominate media platforms.

“This context guided the Committee as it sought memoranda and proposals from Nigerians on potential constitutional changes aimed at enhancing good governance and promoting the welfare of all individuals, rooted in the principles of freedom, equality, and justice.

“The Committee is committed to considering all viewpoints and perspectives, particularly those of individuals who may be unable to travel to Abuja to express their opinions.

“We invite you to articulate your thoughts and engage in the crucial reform process aimed at strengthening our democratic structures, institutions, and fostering unity, as well as improving good governance,” he said.

Declaring the hearing open, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, who was represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, commended the National Assembly’s leadership for creating the opportunity for voiceless Nigerians to be heard.

Similarly, the Speakers of the state assemblies in the six states of the North-east represented by the speaker of Borno Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, canvassed for their autonomy to ensure effective legislative procedures.

The Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar El-Kanemi, emphasised the need for a defined role for traditional institutions in the constitutional review.

In his presentation, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, who led the movement agitating for the creation of Katagum State out of Bauchi State, urged for electoral reforms.

He also urged for an overall restructure of governmental institutions for effective service delivery to Nigerians. (NAN)