The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin (CFR), has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to delivering people-centred and timely amendments to the 1999 Constitution.
Speaking at the joint retreat of the Senate and House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Lagos, Senator Barau called on lawmakers to work towards fulfilling their promise to send the first set of amendment bills to state assemblies before the end of the year.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the two-day retreat brings together members of both chambers to review proposed amendments clause by clause. In total, the committee is considering 69 amendment bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments, and 278 local government creation proposals.
Senator Barau, who also serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, said the process has been ongoing for two years, with wide consultations across the country. He noted that citizens, civil society groups, and institutions have all made meaningful contributions through public hearings and town hall meetings.
> “We have come a long way in engaging Nigerians and gathering their views on constitutional reform. This retreat is to harmonize these ideas and make recommendations that reflect the people’s aspirations,” Barau said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir.
He stressed that although the task may be demanding, lawmakers must work with open minds and a sense of unity to deliver credible outcomes.
> “We represent diverse ethnic, religious, and political interests, but our loyalty must remain with Nigeria and its people. The Constitution is our shared foundation, and we must treat it with patriotism and fairness,” the Deputy Senate President stated.
As reported by Mediaplusng.com, Senator Barau also urged members to avoid divisive debates and focus on what serves Nigerians best. He reminded them that their work would shape the country’s future governance and democratic development.
> “We are one committee with one goal—to strengthen our Constitution for the good of all citizens. Let our deliberations be guided by national interest,” he concluded.
The retreat is part of the ongoing effort by the National Assembly to ensure that the next phase of constitutional amendments reflects the collective will of Nigerians, fostering inclusivity, accountability, and national unity.
