ABUJA – A constitution review committee set up by the ruling All Progressives Congress has submitted its report containing 85 proposals for amendment to the party’s national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.
The submission of the report by party’s 10-member Constitution Review Committee is a prelude to the party’s non-elective national convention.
The report was submitted by the chairman of the committee and APC National Legal Adviser, Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN) at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday evening.
He was accompanied by other committee members, APC National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso and member, House of Representatives, Hon. Asabe Vilita Bashir.
Speaking while presenting the report, Banire said the committee had six working sessions after which a three-day retreat to consider the final report and analysis.
He said, “In carrying out the assignment, we called for memorandum from members of the Party across board via publication in the newspapers. In addition to memorandum collected, we
also wrote letters to the various party organs for their contribution as well as
the government to give us their contribution. We received tons of them.
“Through the assistance of the International Republican Institute (IRI) we were able to sort them out, analyse them eventually we had of contributions that are worthy of consideration.
“Mr. Chairman, we have contained in Annexure A of our report proposals for amendment totalling 85 for review. It is as a result of several factors – our experience in operating the present constitution, the gaps we have noticed and developments that we also need to capture,” Banire said
The committee chairman said major categories amended included: Powers, responsibilities and functions of party
organs; composition of organs; disciplinary procedure; definitions, financial management; membership; organisational structure and tenure.
“We believe that most of the amendments we are recommending if put in place will strengthen our party and enable it to withstand the stress that are capable of being generated from time to time as a result of tension. I must seize the opportunity to commend committee members most of which worked tirelessly. We also thank you Mr.
Chairman for the privilege of serving our party in this capacity and we hope and
believe that ultimately when these amendments are passed it will give the necessary vigour to our party,” Banire said.
The APC National Chairman,
Odigie-Oyegun, on receiving the report, said it will be deliberated upon by the party.