Stakeholders Push for Inclusive Constitutional Review as National Debate Widens

Experts say proposed reforms on federalism, judiciary, elections & local governance require broader public understanding

STAKEHOLDERS across Bauchi, Gombe and Jigawa states have called for a more inclusive and comprehensive public engagement process on the ongoing constitutional review by the National Assembly, arguing that Nigerians must be adequately informed to make meaningful contributions to reforms that could reshape the country’s governance structure.

The appeal comes as the constitutional amendment process gathers momentum nationwide, with experts insisting that national discourse should move beyond the highly publicised debate over state police to encompass other far-reaching proposals, including fiscal federalism, judicial reforms, devolution of powers, electoral reforms, local government autonomy, electricity decentralisation and legislative independence.

According to the stakeholders, a people-driven constitution can only emerge through sustained civic education, widespread consultation and active citizen participation.

Experts Advocate Broader National Conversation

Political analysts, legal practitioners, academics and former lawmakers interviewed in Bauchi, Dutse and Gombe agreed that many Nigerians remain insufficiently informed about the scope of the ongoing constitutional review despite the significance of the proposed amendments.

Professor Muritala Babatunde of the Federal University Dutse argued that discussions surrounding constitutional reforms should not be dominated solely by the issue of state police.

He maintained that judicial reforms designed to reduce the burden on the Supreme Court could significantly improve the efficiency of Nigeria’s justice system, accelerate dispute resolution and strengthen public confidence in the judiciary.

According to him, constitutional reforms affecting governance require the same level of public scrutiny and national conversation as security-related proposals.

Federalism & Electoral Reforms Take Centre Stage

Stakeholders also identified electoral reforms and fiscal federalism as critical areas requiring greater public understanding.

Professor Babatunde noted that proposals such as independent candidacy and strengthening State Independent Electoral Commissions could enhance democratic participation, provided that such institutions operate independently and free from political interference.

He further advocated increased devolution of powers to state governments, while warning that decentralisation should be accompanied by effective accountability mechanisms to prevent inefficiency and abuse of power at the sub-national level.

The academic stressed that successful constitutional amendments would ultimately depend on implementation rather than constitutional wording alone.

Legal Experts Highlight Institutional Independence

Legal practitioner Usman Inuwa described the constitutional review exercise as an opportunity to deepen Nigeria’s federal system through carefully designed institutional reforms.

He argued that strengthening judicial independence, fiscal federalism, electoral integrity, legislative effectiveness and local government autonomy would contribute significantly to democratic consolidation.

According to him, differences in legislative capacity among state assemblies could affect the quality of constitutional deliberations unless lawmakers receive stronger research support and technical assistance.

He therefore advocated greater public participation and improved institutional independence throughout the constitutional amendment process.

Inuwa also cautioned that constitutional amendments alone would not guarantee better governance without transparency, political commitment and effective implementation.

Calls Grow for Sustained Civic Education

Political stakeholders expressed concern that public awareness of the constitutional review remains largely limited to discussions surrounding state police.

Politician Kabiru Usman urged government institutions and the media to intensify civic education campaigns that explain the wider implications of proposed constitutional amendments.

He identified electricity decentralisation, correctional service reforms, local government autonomy and devolution of powers as equally important issues deserving public attention.

According to him, stronger collaboration among the federal, state and local governments would be necessary for successful implementation once constitutional amendments are adopted.

State Assemblies Prepare for Public Hearings

In Bauchi State, Clerk of the State House of Assembly, Mrs Hauwa Ahmed, disclosed that lawmakers were awaiting the transmission of amendment proposals from the National Assembly.

She assured residents that the Assembly would organise public hearings to gather citizens’ views before taking decisions on the proposed constitutional changes.

Ahmed explained that every amendment would be subjected to extensive public consultation to ensure that the interests and aspirations of Bauchi residents are adequately reflected.

She added that relevant state laws would subsequently be amended to align with any constitutional changes eventually approved.

Implementation Remains the Ultimate Challenge

Former Gombe State lawmaker Rambi Ayala argued that Nigeria’s governance challenges stem less from constitutional deficiencies than from inadequate political will to enforce existing laws.

While acknowledging that the 1999 Constitution requires periodic amendments to address emerging realities, he insisted that reforms would produce little impact without sincere implementation.

Ayala cited the continued challenges surrounding local government autonomy despite constitutional provisions and Supreme Court judgments, arguing that executive interference has continued to weaken democratic institutions at the grassroots.

He also raised concerns about the independence of state legislatures and urged all arms of government to place national interest above partisan politics.

According to him, properly implemented constitutional reforms could strengthen accountability, deepen federalism and reinforce Nigeria’s democratic institutions.