Senate President Godswill Akpabio has described the ongoing review of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution as a critical step toward building a more just, equitable, and united federation.
Speaking at the South-South Zonal Public Hearing in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio said the constitutional review process is not a mere formality, but a democratic affirmation that every citizen’s voice matters. He noted that the exercise aims to realign the nation’s charter with present-day realities and aspirations.
“This is not just a political ritual. It is a democratic rite. We amend not to abandon, but to realign our national charter to the realities, dreams, and demands of Nigerians,” Akpabio said in a statement issued by his media aide, Anietie Ekong.
He stressed that constitutional reviews are not signs of weakness, but rather symbols of strength and a commitment to nation-building.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, echoed the sentiment, stating that the exercise must lead Nigeria toward a truly restructured federation. He said the South-South expects outcomes that will ensure fairness, accountability, and inclusion across all federating units.
Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Senator Barau Jibrin, represented by Senator Aniekan Bassey, outlined key focus areas for the amendment. These include electoral reforms, judicial efficiency, devolution of powers, gender equity, local government autonomy, security architecture, and inclusion of traditional institutions in governance.
Meanwhile, at the South West Zonal Public Hearing in Ikeja, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, called for the establishment of state police and enhanced local governance. He also advocated reforms in the judiciary, improved political inclusion for women and youth, and the creation of additional states.
“These challenges strike at the heart of what it means to be Nigerian. Our collective aspiration is to build a fairer, safer, and more prosperous nation,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Traditional rulers in the region demanded constitutionally defined roles. The Ayangburen of Ikorodu and Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Traditional Rulers Council, Oba Kabir Sotobi, said the roles of traditional institutions, as recognised at independence, must be restored.
The Senate Majority Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, who represented Senator Jibrin at the Lagos hearing, said hundreds of memoranda had been received. He stressed the need for national consensus on unresolved issues from previous amendments.
“As we embark on this critical process of reviewing our constitution, it is crucial that we listen to everyone—men and women, young and old,” Jibrin noted. “Our mandate is to foster a broad national consensus that promotes good governance rooted in freedom, equality, and justice.”
Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in the South West pledged to support and pass the bills once sent to their chambers. Speakers Hon. Oladiji Olumide Adesanmi (Ondo), Hon. Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye (Ekiti), Hon. Oludaisi Olusegun Elemide (Ogun), and Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun (Osun) all commended the committee’s efforts and expressed readiness to work toward a constitution that reflects Nigerians’ true desires.
Ekiti State Speaker Aribasoye said, “We believe in the constitution amendment; it is long overdue. We support legislative autonomy, state policing, and defined roles for traditional rulers.”
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, described the review as a “clarion call” and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the amendment process. He pledged royal support to ensure its success.
Among proposals submitted for consideration were calls for the creation of new states, including Ijebu (from Ogun), Ibadan and New Oyo (from Oyo), Coaster State (from Ondo), and Igbomina State (from parts of Osun, Kwara, and Ekiti). Boundary adjustment requests, such as the Isheri-Olofin area between Lagos and Ogun states, were also discussed.
Senator Gbenga Daniel, a member of the review committee and former Ogun State governor, backed the demand for Ijebu State, stating it would correct a long-standing injustice. He assured that the proposed state has the capacity to thrive independently.
Stakeholders across the zones urged the National Assembly to ensure that the constitutional amendment leads to real reforms that strengthen Nigeria’s federal system, foster inclusion, and deliver good governance for all citizens.
