Omo-Agege: Constitution review panel will consider confab report

Ovie Omo-Agege, deputy senate president, says the constitution review committee, which he chairs, will consider the recommendations of the 2014 national conference report.

The conference was convened under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and chaired by late Idris Kutigi, former chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).

The conference proposed solutions to a number of the country’s challenges.

President Muhammadu Buhari has not shown interest in the confab report. In 2016 when some journalists asked him to comment on it, the president had said the report should remain in the archives.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee on Wednesday, Omo-Agege also said recommendations of the All Progressives Congress (APC) panel on restructuring would also be considered.

The panel was chaired by Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state.

The deputy senate president said the committee would also consider altering the sixth schedule of the constitution to provide for the establishment of pre-election matters tribunal, governorship pre-election matters tribunals and presidential pre-election matters tribunal.

“This committee will consider the recommendations of the 2014 constitutional conference and the Governor Nasir el-Rufai-led committee on restructuring,” he said.

“We would also liaise with our counterparts in the House of Representatives, the State Houses of Assembly and collaborate and build consensus with all stakeholders to ensure synergy. Development Partners will also play pivotal roles through counsel, workshops, conferences and interactions.

“It will suffice to say that an assignment of this magnitude demands diligence and commitment. So, as we embark on this very important legislative assignment, let us use this opportunity to build consensus on constitutional issues that will impact the lives of the people of our great country Nigeria.

“We must get it right for the good of our people and the unity of our great country. The Nigerian people deserve no less.”

Earlier, Senate President Ahmad Lawan said the review of the constitution would give Nigeria an opportunity to be better.

“We do not just envisage a country where citizens will feel fulfilled, but also one where happiness, peace and prosperity will come with it,” Lawan said.

“We long for a country where our economy will not only be prosperous, but also where the political process will be seamless, and characterized with noble causes of service, patriotism and nationalism.”