As the legislative pause brought about by the appropriation bill and festive season concludes, it is crucial to redirect public attention to a milestone in Nigeria’s legislative history—the September 2024 retreat of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution.
This retreat represented a significant step forward in resolving long-standing constitutional uncertainties and promoting democratic principles.
In a release dated Monday, January 6, 2025, Hon. Gloria Okolugbo, Director of Communications, Office of Senator Nwoko, emphasized the Senate’s dedication to legislative continuity.
The statement highlighted the committee’s efforts to revisit critical “legacy bills” inherited from the 9th Assembly while initiating new constitutional amendments aligned with Nigeria’s evolving needs.
Following an extensive review of memoranda submitted by Nigerians, consultants identified 37 bills for further consideration.
Among these, Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko and Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno emerged as leaders, contributing the highest number of bills.
Particularly noteworthy are Senator Nwoko’s five proposed bills, which stand out for their strategic and transformative potential.
Foremost among them is his initiative to amend the constitution to establish Anioma State. This proposal followed significant lobbying efforts and widespread consultations, culminating in the Anioma State Summit held in Asaba in August 2024.
Senator Nwoko’s dedication underscores his commitment to addressing the aspirations of his constituents while advancing national progress.
As the new year begins, attention shifts to the next critical phase of this historic process: the public hearings.
These hearings will provide Nigerians with a vital opportunity to engage and contribute to shaping the nation’s legislative framework.
This year holds immense promise for transforming deliberations into actionable reforms, bringing Nigeria closer to a constitution that truly reflects the aspirations and dynamism of its people.
It is our shared responsibility to maintain this momentum and ensure that these constitutional amendments result in meaningful governance reforms.
