Mairo Adamu Mani
A STEP TOWARDS JUSTICE-FRIENDLY FEDERALISM*
The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. (Dr.) Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, representing the Farmer Governor, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, led members of the 10th Assembly to attend a public hearing on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) for North Central Zone, Centre A (Niger, Kwara, and Kogi States). The event was held at Siyam Event Centre in Minna, Niger State.
In his goodwill message, the Speaker expressed profound gratitude to the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review, chaired by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie, for organizing this public hearing and choosing Minna as the venue. He emphasized that this initiative demonstrates the National Assembly’s commitment to inclusive governance and participatory democracy, bringing the constitutional review process closer to the people.
The Speaker noted that the public hearing provides a platform for stakeholders to ventilate their concerns and propose viable solutions that can reshape the constitutional order, making it more just, appreciable, and responsive to the people’s needs. He commended the Committee’s transparency and engagement, pledging the full support of the Niger State House of Assembly and Government towards the success of this public hearing and subsequent legislative process.
In his welcoming address, the Chairman of the North Central Centre A and Deputy Majority Leader of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims, highlighted the aims of the public hearing, which include ensuring broader participation by Nigerians and other stakeholders, fostering the exchange of ideas, and providing feedback to the public on memoranda submitted.
The Chairman emphasized that the public hearing is an opportunity for stakeholders and citizens to air their views and contribute to improving the living conditions and standards of all Nigerians. He urged participants to do what will bring growth, unity, peace, and development to Nigeria.
The Niger State House of Assembly and Government support the enactment of amendments that will promote justice-friendly federalism, safeguard the rights and dignity of every Nigerian, and ensure that no group is marginalized or oppressed.
Mairo Adamu Mani