ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – Deputy Senate President and Chairman, Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, on Wednesday gave assurance on early completion of the constitution amendment exercise.
Ekweremadu, who gave the assurance during the inauguration of the Committee by the Senate President, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, said that although the successful amendment of the 1999 Constitution was only recorded in 6th National Assembly, which he also chaired, resulting in the First, Second, and Third Alterations, he believed there were also a lot of insights to draw from all constitution amendment exercises.
He added that the Fourth Alteration Bill, which was not assented to by former President Goodluck Jonathan would remain a huge effort in amending the 1999 Constitution in accordance with the wishes of the Nigerian people.
Notable among the key amendments, according to him, are strengthening of the local government administration, removal of presidential assent in constitution amendment, separation of the Office of the Attorney-General from that of the Minister of Justice, creation of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation separate from the Accountant-General of the Federal Government to enhance accountability, financial autonomy for State Assemblies, and provision of 30-day timeline for presidential and governors’ assent to bills passed by the National and State Assemblies.
Others include: empowering the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister political parties, devolution of more powers to the states, provision of 180-day timeline for the determination of pre-election matters, provision for independent candidacy, and making it mandatory for the President present a State of the Nation address at least once in a year.
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Ekweremadu, however, said that it had been observed that constitution amendment exercises in election years were always caught in the web of politics and intrigues, assuring that the amendment exercise was one of the top priorities of the 8th Senate.
“Timing for constitutional amendment should be carefully determined as amendments in election periods close to the lifespan of the government in power tend to be undermined by the prevailing political atmosphere,” Ekweremadu said.
He also emphasised the need for greater consensus and interface with the executive arm of government throughout the review process.
The Senate Deputy President further stressed the need to “rationalise the alteration process by adopting a strategy to enhance synergy, concordance, and work plan, which both chambers are comfortable with to help reduce avoidable delays in the amendment process”.
In his declaration message, the Senate President, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, explained the need for the current review.
Saraki advised the Committee to learn from the past efforts that all the issues cannot be taken at once
“This current review is an attempt by the 8th National Assembly to cement and exhaustively conclude the process of the 4th Alteration Bill, which is essentially hinged on strengthening our constitutional democracy, entrenching our unity and widening the remit of institutions that enable the implementation of development plan, respect for the Constitution and the observance of the rule of law as our primary objective.
“Having acknowledged the immense work of the 7th National Assembly under the 4th Alteration bill, the Senate expects you to swiftly consolidate the 4th Alteration bill for passage as it has already garnered national consensus. We expect that within the next few days you will forward the consolidated bill, have it gazetted and forwarded for first reading.
“The Senate expects that a good liaison is forged early enough with the House of Representatives’ Committee on this all important project, with a view to reducing areas of disagreements and conflicts. It is equally crucial that all stakeholders’ opinions are fully considered especially the executive.
“Let me reemphasis the need for prudence and efficiency. This is not time for jamboree tours or unnecessary flamboyance. While acknowledging the need for a very comprehensive and exhaustive review of the proposal, it wont be an excuse for excessive elaboration and endless retreats. Nigerians expect that this is not going to end without result. More than what has been done in the past, we must make a difference. It is our hope that this assignment can be completed by end of June 2016.
“You have to learn from the past efforts that you cannot take on all issues at once. There are many issues but what is important now is what you should concentrate on. Now is also the best time as the political atmosphere favours this exercise.
“This Senate has confidence that you have the capacity and experience to discharge your duties with responsibility and probity,” he said.
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