Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has reiterated his full support for the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, describing it as a critical step toward achieving inclusive, people-driven governance in Nigeria.
This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs). Government House, Gombe
Speaking at the Northeast Zonal Public Hearing on the Constitutional Review (Zone A), held at the International Conference Centre, Gombe, the governor said the exercise provides a golden opportunity to reshape the national charter into a functional framework that reflects the aspirations and diversity of Nigerians.
“The constitution is a living document, one that must be constantly updated to reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of our people,” Governor Yahaya stated.
He emphasised the need to address long-standing issues such as federalism, local governance, fiscal decentralisation, and social justice. He particularly urged the review committee to focus on political stability through equitable representation, economic prosperity through resource control, and social justice through gender equity and protection of the marginalised.
The public hearing, organised by the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee, brought together key stakeholders from Gombe, Bauchi, and Taraba states to deliberate on wide-ranging proposals for amendment.
Chairman of the Review Committee for North-East Zone A and Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, noted that the hearing was in line with constitutional mandates and House rules to periodically review the nation’s supreme law with public participation.
“We are committed to a transparent process guided by equity, justice, and fairness. The people’s input is central to this process,” Kumo affirmed.
Legal consultant to the committee and former Bauchi State Governor, Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, outlined proposed bills spanning electoral reform, judicial restructuring, devolution of powers, local government autonomy, and inclusive governance.
He revealed that the proposals aim to conduct all general elections in a single day, establish an Electoral Offences Commission, create state police, reserve special seats for women in legislative houses, and shift proclamation powers of legislative sittings to clerks instead of the President and Governors.
“This process is about giving Nigerians a constitution they can truly own and relate to,” Abubakar said.
Representatives from the Bauchi and Taraba state governments, the Chief Judge of Gombe, and traditional institutions, including the Emir of Gombe, HRH Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, delivered goodwill messages endorsing the process.
Memoranda were presented by individuals and groups seeking new state and local governments, redefined federal and state constituencies, and reforms across critical sectors.