This is no jamboree, Saraki tellls constitution review commitee

Senate President Bukola Saraki has advised members of the ad hoc committee on the review of the 1999 constitution to eschew flamboyance, endless retreats and jamboree tours in the discharge of their duties.

Saraki gave the charge while inaugurating the committee, which is mandated to review the 1999 constitution, at the national assembly complex in Abuja on Wednesday.

“This current review is an attempt by the eighth national assembly to cement and exhaustively conclude the process of the fourth alteration bill, which is essentially hinged on strengthening our constitutional democracy, entrenching our unity and widening the remit of institutions that enable the implementation of development plan, respect for the Constitution and the observance of the rule of law as our primary objective,” he said.

“Having acknowledged the immense work of the seventh national assembly under the fourth alteration bill, the senate expects you to swiftly consolidate the fourth alteration bill for passage as it has already garnered national consensus. We expect that within the next few days you will forward the consolidated bill, have it gazetted and forwarded for first reading.

“The senate expects that a good liaison is forged early enough with the house of representatives’ committee on this all important project, with a view to reducing areas of disagreements and conflicts. It is equally crucial that all stakeholders’ opinions are fully considered especially the executive.

“Let me reemphasis the need for prudence and efficiency. This is not time for jamboree tours or unnecessary flamboyance. While acknowledging the need for a very comprehensive and exhaustive review of the proposal, it won’t be an excuse for excessive elaboration and endless retreats. Nigerians expect that this is not going to end without result. More than what has been done in the past, we must make a difference. It is our hope that this assignment can be completed by end of June 2016.

“You have to learn from the past efforts that you cannot take on all issues at once. There are many issues but what is important now is what you should concentrate on. Now is also the best time as the political atmosphere favours this exercise.

“This senate has confidence that you have the capacity and experience to discharge your duties with responsibility and probity.

“I hereby inaugurate the eighth senate ad Hoc committee on the review of the 1999 constitution.”

The committee which is chaired by Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president, has Shehu Sani, Dino Melaye, George Akume, Ali Ndume, Godswill Akpabio, Eyinnaya Abaribe, Gbenga Ashafa and Bala Na’ Allah as some of its members.