Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has promised that Niger State will play its constitutional role with patriotism, integrity, and foresight by supporting constitutional amendments that would promote justice and protect the rights and dignity of every Nigerian.
The governor stated this at the public hearing on the review of Nigeria’s 1999 constitution (as amended) held in Minna for the North Central Zone, Centre A, compressing Niger, Kogi, and Kwara States, at the instance of the House of Representatives.
Represented by the Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, the governor applauded the initiative by the National Assembly, saying it is a symbol of responsiveness and it demonstrates commitment to inclusive governance, participatory democracy, and nation-building through institutional reforms.
The governor said the public hearing is a platform that allows all stakeholders to express their concerns and aspirations and provide viable solutions that could shape the constitution to be more just, equitable, and responsive to the needs of the people.
He called on the National Assembly to ensure that the views expressed by the people and institutions of Niger, Kogi, and Kwara States are well reflected, even as he maintained that the public hearing is a step towards a more representative and durable constitutional framework.
Earlier, the Chairman, North Central Centre A of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, who is also the Deputy Majority Leader at the Green Chamber, Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, said the public hearing is to ensure participation of Nigerians in the process of the amendment.
He emphasised that the key to the unity of Nigeria lies mostly in the exercise and that the outcome will either make or mar the country, hence, he urged all presenters to do what would bring growth, unity, peace, and development to Nigeria.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Kogi State Governor, represented by his Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State, Barr Muzi Yinus Abdullahi, and the Emir of Borgu, Alh. Muhammad Sanusi Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, who spoke on behalf of the representative of the Traditional Rulers, appealed to the National Assembly to critically look into all issues to ensure a people-oriented constitution.
