CONSTITUTION REVIEW: Lawan tasks citizens to put national interest first

Caroline Ameh

The Senate President while declaring open the national public hearing on the review of the Nigerian Constitution, has tasked citizens to put the best interest of the country at heart while debating and making their contributions.

According to him, delegates should deliver presentations with deep thoughts, conviction, and foresight, as against emotions, in the overriding interest of a united nation, where dignity and respect are in evidence

Pointing out that, the National Assembly did not merely stop at inviting people to make written submissions but have gone further to organise zonal hearings to give citizens greater opportunities to make inputs more than ever.
“Public hearings are indeed central to participatory democracy and the law-making process, especially in a Constitution amendment exercise that seeks to put citizens first. The Senate therefore deemed it important to create avenues for the involvement of the public”.

“Our country has been consistently reminded that there are flaws in our constitution. There is a deep concern among legislators and other stakeholders, just as there are divergent opinions on what we should do to remedy it”.

Lawan also noted that, “there are broad-ranging agitations and constitutional amendment proposals for devolving more powers to subnational governments, for resource control, greater representation and participation of women in governance and public life, return to the regional system of the post-independence era, creation of additional states and Local Government, enhanced residency and indigene rights, decentralized policing, and Local government autonomy, amongst others”.
“While we have identified certain items as thematic areas, we are still open to engagement on any other relevant proposal and we look forward to continuing discussions with stakeholders on all proposals in that regard”.
“It is important to similarly note that agitations are democratic expressions and indications of dissatisfaction with our extant Constitution. Honestly engaging with each other, amid a good faith, is the best way forward”.

According to him, the National Assembly plays the underlying role of participatory democracy to replace representative democracy, but to supplement it and make it function better. Therefore, there are no preconceived decisions on the outcome of the process. The final product will be shaped by the voices of citizens as harnessed from the hearings.
“Regardless, the constitution review alone will not engender a successful democracy, without a concomitant shift in attitude and political will. It has to be backed by the requisite political will and the right attitude. Democracy demands the highest qualities of self-discipline, restraint, empathy, and the willingness to commit, concede and sacrifice for the general good”, he added.