By Uzair Adam
Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Barau I Jibrin, on Saturday, July 26, 2025, declared open the North West Zonal Public Hearing of the Committee in Kano.
The two-day public hearing aims to gather input from citizens and stakeholders across the zone on proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution.
The Daily Reality gathered that this is part of a broader nationwide exercise by the National Assembly to foster inclusive governance and constitutional reform.
Barau explained that the Kano session had been previously postponed out of respect for the late business magnate, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, and former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, both of whom passed away earlier this month.
In his opening remarks, Barau reiterated the importance of citizen engagement in the reform process.
He noted that while Nigeria has undergone five constitutional alteration phases since 1999, several key issues remain unresolved.
“Many of these challenges cannot be addressed by regular legislation alone. We must be honest about our commitment not just to the letter of the Constitution, but to its spirit,” he said.
The Deputy Senate President highlighted that the 10th Senate established the Constitution Review Committee to lead a consultative process that reflects national consensus.
He said the Committee received hundreds of memoranda on major national concerns, including electoral and judicial reform, local government autonomy, gender representation, traditional institutions, and security structure.
“These memoranda have been translated into draft Bills which we are now bringing back to the people for further discussion,” he added.
Barau assured participants that the Committee remains impartial and open to all views, encouraging stakeholders to offer their contributions freely and responsibly.
He stressed the need for intergovernmental cooperation in ensuring that any agreed constitutional changes are properly implemented.
“A law that is not put into effect is as good as not passed,” he remarked.
The Senate Committee chairman also acknowledged the support of Kano State authorities, fellow legislators, civil society organisations, and development partners, describing their involvement as a vital step in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The hearing continues on Sunday, July 27.