The Senate has proposed to conclude the clause-by-clause consideration of proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution tomorrow, July 26 and refer the document to state houses of assembly for concurrence.
The same is expected to be done in the House of Representatives with the hope that the document would sail through as it had been agreed upon by both chambers at a retreat held in Lagos recently.
The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has, however, applauded the dedication of the lawmakers in both chambers of the parliament to the production of the document, which is about to be adopted as the reviewed constitution for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki described the process that led to the production of the document as “another promise kept” by the 8th national assembly.
In a statement issued by his media office, Saraki said inter alia: “You will recall that when we first came into office, I made a promise that we will amend the constitution to reflect new realities that have arisen. Now, we are doing just that. With just under two years left for this tenure, we are wrapping up this process, which will then be transmitted to the state assemblies for concurrence.
“We will continue to ensure that all the promises that we have made to the Nigerian people will be kept. It is also our hope that we can get this amendments sent to the state assemblies quickly so that the new amendments can take effect by the New Year and well-clear of the political electioneering season.
“This is the first time ever that we are concluding the constitution amendment process long before the election year so that people can objectively participate in the process without looking at the partisan benefits.”
In another development, a Not Too Young To Run (NTYTR) Movement, consisting of no fewer than 50 youth groups across the country, has planned to stage a peaceful rally today, July 25 aimed at pushing for the inclusion of the youths within the age of 25 and 30 in the governance of the country.
The Movement insisted that the youths within the age range of 25 to 30 years be allowed to contest for elective positions for the seat of the presidency, national assembly, governorship and state houses of assembly in the ongoing constitution review exercise.
In a statement by Ms. Cynthia Mbamalu, the group said it was pleased by the statement credited to House of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, reaffirming the commitment of the House to include the provision of the NTYTR Bill in the constitution review exercise.
The group noted: “As a movement, we are determined in our quest for a true people’s constitution anchored on the principles of inclusion, equality and justice. We, therefore, invite citizens to join us today (July 25, 2017) for the National Day of Action on NTYTR as we engage our legislators and press home our demand ahead of the clause-by-clause voting on new amendments to the constitution.”
