By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Chairman of the House of Representatives sub-Committee for North West Centre Zone B on Constitutional Review, Sada Soli said the constitution review process belongs to the people and would reflect their hope and aspirations.
Speaking at the Nort -West zonal public hearing in Sokoto, Soli said Nigerians are the true authors of the nation’s next constitutional chapter.
Urging states in the zone, which are Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara, to be bold to speak and shape the future of Nigeria’s democracy, he emphasised that the 2025 constitutional review process is the most comprehensive and people-centered in Nigeria’s history.
“This is not just a gathering, it is a national conversation. You are not just observers. You are stakeholders and co-authors of Nigeria’s next constitutional chapter.
“The committee, inaugurated in February 2024, is currently reviewing 87 priority amendment bills across key areas including judicial reform, electoral transparency, state policing, gender inclusion, fiscal accountability, and local government autonomy, State and local government policing (HB-617) Guaranteed financial autonomy for state judiciary and Reserved seats for women in government,” he said.
Soli praised the hospitality of the Sokoto State Government, led by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, and commended Kebbi and Zamfara States for their cooperation.
He urged the continued public vigilance as the bills move to the National Assembly and eventually to State Houses of Assembly.
Presenting their recommendations to the committee, the assemblies of the three North-West states, in collaboration with civil society organisations and local government chairmen, emphasised the urgent need for the creation of additional states.
They argued that the additional states would enable more effective policing and help tackle the persistent insecurity, underdevelopment, and social ills plaguing the region.
