Press Release: Proposed Constitutional Review will lead to a better Nigeria for all - Bagudu

The Chairman of the Progressives Governors' Forum and Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, says the proposed Constitutional Review will lead to a better Nigeria, for all.

Bagudu spoke on Wednesday, in Sokoto, at the North West, Sokoto Centre, Zonal Public Hearing on the proposed Constitutional Amendments.

The public hearing on the proposed constitutional review was organized by the Senate Committee on the Review on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, with a former Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Adamu Aliero, as the Chairman of the Sokoto Centre .

Bagudu also said that, the exercise cannot come at a better time than now when in the national life of Nigeria more dialogue was needed on myriad of issues occupying the minds of Nigerians.

"We are happy that the hearing is coming at a time when more dialogue, more discussion is needed because there are many issues occupying the minds of many people across the country", he averred.

According to him, the proposed review provides an ample opportunity for Nigerians to collectively brainstorm through the democratic tenets to move the country forward.

The Kebbi State Governor also said that, such issues on the table for discussions include resource control and devolution of Powers, among others .

Bagudu added that, the exercise will also give a platform for matured discussions so that," People of the three states can contribute in nationalistic and patriotic manners .

" This is to have a more robust constitution. This was why APC had hitherto set up a Committee under Gov. El Rufai, to look at the promises we have made to Nigerians '.

According to him, the APC Governors' Forum has also been doing the same.

''And as Governors of Progressives Governors Forum, PGF has had course to meet with Senators and House of Representatives members under the leadership of Senate Majority Leader and the House Representative majority leader to discuss those constitutional amendments', he said.

He further noted that, resources available to all governmental levels in the country are very limited , as such, whatever will be done to get more resources is important.

Bagudu also said that, the equitable distribution of resources in Nigeria will be a welcome development.

He urged the Committee to diligently and logically conclude the exercise sequel to its tremendous importance.

The Chairman of the Sokoto Centre and a former Governor of Kebbi State, Senator Muhammadu Adamu Aliero said that, the exercise will provide opportunities for deliberations on the 1999 Constitution.

Aliero said that, NASS has for instance also been calling for the review of the revenue allocation formula , which was not done for nearly two decades.

He stated that, they didn't come with any fixed idea , but, " we are here to collate your views ."

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State who declared open the event, was represented by his Deputy , Alhaji Muhammadu Mannir Dan Iya.

He said that, it was a critical forum for the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria .

Tambuwal stressed the need for the rule of law, justice and equity and described the Constitution as a reference point of democracy .

Goodwill messages were delivered by the Speakers of the Sokoto and Zamfara States Houses of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aminu Achida and Nasiru Muazu Magarya.

In a vote of thanks , Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, who is also a Member of the Committee, said that, the exercise was for the common good of all Nigerians.

Wamakko, also a former Governor of Sokoto State who now represents Sokoto North Senatorial District added :" the 9th Senate therefore deserves a pat on the back for putting the exercise on the top of it's Legislative Agenda.

" Nigerians and all the Governors should also be commended for their invaluable support towards ensuring the success of the exercise ."

Signed:
YAHAYA SARKI
Special Adviser (SA) Media to Kebbi State Governor
26/5/2021