The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has declared that the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly is a vital step toward restructuring Nigeria into a more just, equitable, and united federation.
This is as Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the South West Constitution review public hearing in Lagos called for the establishment of State police while traditional rulers in the zone called for constitutional roles as well as creation of additional five states from the zone.
Akpabio spoke at the South-South Zonal Public Hearing on the Constitution Review held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
He described the exercise as a defining democratic moment, aimed at realigning Nigeria’s foundational charter with the evolving needs and aspirations of its people.
The public hearing was held simultaneously across five geopolitical zones of the country.
Akpabio said, “This is not just a political ritual. It is a democratic rite. A solemn affirmation that in a democracy, every voice counts.
“We amend not to abandon, but to realign our national charter to the realities, dreams, and demands of Nigerians.”
In a statement from his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio emphasised that the constitutional review process is a show of strength and commitment to nation-building rather than a sign of weakness or discontent.
He said, “No constitution is eternal in its original form, just as no democracy is perfect.
“But in our collective pursuit of a more perfect union, lies the true strength of our democracy,” he added.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, stressed that “the review process must move Nigeria closer to a restructured federation where equity, accountability, and efficiency reign.”
The Governor said, “This is more than a legislative procedure; it is a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“For the South-South, this review must lead to a Nigeria where every federating unit flourishes and contributes meaningfully while feeling a true sense of belonging.”
Eno noted that the region’s longstanding calls for a restructured and inclusive Nigeria must be reflected in the outcome of the review.
Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Senator Barau Jibrin, represented by Senator Aniekan Bassey, outlined key focus areas of the review.
“These include electoral reforms, judicial efficiency, local government autonomy, inclusion of traditional institutions in governance, gender equity, human rights, power devolution, and enhanced security architecture.
The hearing featured presentations from various interest groups advocating for state creation, local government autonomy, greater gender inclusion, and a defined role for traditional rulers.
Stakeholders at the forum called on the National Assembly to ensure that the constitutional amendment process translates into concrete reforms that will foster national unity, protect rights, empower communities, and strengthen Nigeria’s federal system.
Speaking at the South West public hearing of the review of the constitution held in Ikeja, Lagos, the Governor who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat noted that the challenges facing the nation are significant and wide-ranging.
He listed the challenges as “the pursuit of genuine federalism and the devolution of powers; Empowering and enhancing our local governments; Establishing new states to bring governance closer to the people; Reforming our electoral and judicial systems; Boosting the involvement of women and youth in our political landscape; Ensuring the security and welfare of our citizens, including the crucial discussion around state policing.”
He maintained that issues go beyond just constitutional concerns; “they strike at the heart of what it means to be Nigerian. They reflect our shared aspiration for a fairer, more equitable, and thriving nation.”
The Governor stressed that the security architecture of the nation can be most protected if the management of policy is devolved to the state.
Earlier, traditional rulers from the region had demanded for advisory roles in governance.
Speaking on their behalf, the Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Traditional Rulers Council and the Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Sotobi, said that their role should be constitutionally recognised as it was done at independence.
The deputy senate President Senator Barau Jibrin who was represented by the Senate Majority leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele said the Senate had received hundreds of memoranda addressing key issues that have not yet been resolved by the previous amendments, mainly due to a lack of national consensus and the evolving dynamics of modern governance.
Senator Jubrin said several key issues needed to be addressed which include electoral reforms and adjudication; judicial reforms focused on case management and administration; enhancements to local government administration; the involvement of traditional institutions in contemporary governance promoting human rights; ensuring gender equity and inclusion in governance; the devolution and distribution of powers; the structure of our federation; and concerns related to security and policing-
He noted that as the senate embark of the process of reviewing the constitution it is critical the committee listen to everyone, “as we embark on this critical process of reviewing our constitution, It is crucial that we listen to everyone—men and women, young and old, from all corners of our communities. Their hopes, worries, and dreams should shape the amendments that come out of this process.” Senator Jibrin said.
He stated that, the Committee’s mandate is to foster a broad national consensus, rather than echo the voices of a powerful minority that dominate media platforms. “This context guided the Committee as it sought memoranda and proposals from Nigerians on potential constitutional changes aimed at enhancing good governance and promoting the welfare of all individuals, rooted in the principles of freedom, equality, and justice.
I am pleased to report that the Committee is delighted with your response.” Senator Jibrin said.
Speaking at the public hearing, Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in the South West, Hon. Oladiji Olumide Adesanmi, (Ondo), Hon. Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye (Ekiti), Hon. Oludaisi Olusegun Elemide (Ogun) and Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun (Osun), commended the efforts of the committee in attending to constitution amendment requests, saying that the gathering demonstrated the commitment to deliver Nigeria that works for all.
They also pledged their resolve to diligently work on the amended constitution and pass the bills raised to laws, once sent to the state Assemblies.
Ekiti State Assembly Speaker, Hon. Aribasoye, in his remark, expressed his belief in the ongoing constitution amendment, saying that it was long overdue, just as he cited issues such as Legislative Autonomy, the State Police, the role of traditional rulers in governance, among others, which he said were issues that should be amended in the nation’s constitution.
“We in Ekiti State, we believe in the constitution amendment, it is long overdue.
“The issues of Legislative Autonomy, the State Police, the traditional rulers’ involvement, among others, we are in support, and would pass them once sent to us.
“We would do our best on whatever is the outcome of the gathering today, we would support them (the committee),” he said.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Eniitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in his own remark, said all that they had come to achieve at the gathering was for the progress of Yoruba land, expressing his appreciation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in ensuring that the 1999 Constitution was amended.
He described the development as a clarion call, while assuring the committee of continued support to ensure of its efforts are successful.
Commenting on some of the requests before the committee, Senator Bamidele, listed the creation of Ijebu State out of present Ogun State, Coaster State out of Ondo State, Ibadan State out of Oyo State, New Oyo State out of Oyo State, Igbomina State out of Osun, Kwara and Ekiti states, adding that a request for boundary adjustment of Isheri- Olofin between Lagos and Ogun state was also before the committee.
Former Ogun State governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, who is also a member of the committee, in his submission, said the request for the creation of Ijebu State out of the present Ogun State, was to right the century old injustice, assuring that the new state, once created had everything it takes to survive and remain solid.
Sunday Aborisade and Segun James
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