Goje to chair Gombe public hearing
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Residents of Gombe State are set for constitutional review on the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje, Gombe Central is said to be the Chairman of the Public Hearing for North-East Zone (Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba).
The former governor of Gombe State who is also the chairman Senate Committee on Marine Transport is expected to superintend the review in the zone, on the proposed alteration of the provisions of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In a chat with our correspondent on Sunday, Zarah Mandara, clerk of the zonal public hearing, said the secretariat would collect submissions on the approved days of Wednesday and Thursday, adding that provision was not made for earlier submission.
“The general public is invited to submit memoranda on issues mentioned and any other issues that promote the unity and good governance of the Nigerian nation.
“All submissions should be made in fifteen (15) hard copies and be delivered to the secretariat on the day of the hearing at the venue of the event,” Mandara said.
The issues expected that the memoranda would cover includes; Gender equity/increased participation of Women and Vulnerable groups in governance. The Federal Structure in governance and Power Devolution
Local Government Administration/Local Government autonomy. Public Revenue, Fiscal Federalism and Revenue Allocation. Constitutional Provision for the Establishment of State Police
Judicial Reform – Adjudication of election and pre – election matters and other justice delivery concerns. Electoral Reforms that will make INEC deliver transparent, credible, free and fair elections, Political parties, Independent candidature and election management
Socio-economic rights as contained in Chapter II of the constitution.
Others are; Residency and indigeneship.
Immunity – Removal of immunity in prima facie criminal cases.
Time-line for Asset of Bills and Passage of Appropriation Bill. States and local government creation. Strengthening the independence of institutions like the office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Auditor General of the Federation and Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
F.C.T. Administration. The Legislature and Legislative Bureaucracy.
A resident of the state, Joshua Charity expressed optimism that the review would help settle frayed nerves.
Charity said, “It is better late than never, we pray and hope this review will bear the true solutions to our country’s challenges. I hope the progress can be much more transparent and the hope, desires of citizens respected.
“It is our prayer that those seeking the dismemberment of the country will have their grievances sorted out. That means government and the loyalists should give the process free hand.”
Also, Mailumo Umar, stressed the ability to salvage the country is in hands of the legislature.
While lauding them for awakening to the expectations of Nigeria, he called on them to be circumspect.
Mailumo revealed that the country needs a sane legislature to get her acts right.
He said, “Nigeria is where it is today because our legislature has not taken the pride of place. With a sound National Assembly, Nigeria can stop lipping and will start running. This should have been done years ago but thanks to this set hopefully they will allow the desires of the people to prevail which includes that they are killing the country with so much budgetary allocation for their upkeep.”
