Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has expressed strong support for the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution, describing the exercise as a vital step toward achieving a more inclusive, equitable, and people-driven governance structure in Nigeria.
Governor Yahaya made the call on Saturday while declaring open the North-East Zone ‘A’ Public Hearing on the review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, held at the International Conference Centre, Gombe.
The hearing, organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, brought together stakeholders from Gombe, Bauchi, and Taraba states to deliberate on reform proposals aimed at enhancing democratic governance and national development.
“The constitution is a living document—one that must be constantly updated to reflect the evolving needs and aspirations of our people,” the governor said.
He noted that while the country had made previous amendments in 2010, 2011, 2017, and 2023, critical issues such as fiscal federalism, local governance, devolution of powers, and the protection of citizens’ rights remain unresolved.
Governor Yahaya identified three priority areas for the review: political stability through equitable representation and power devolution; economic prosperity via fiscal reforms and resource control; and social justice through stronger protections for gender equity and marginalized groups.
The governor commended the House Committee’s effort and expressed confidence that Gombe State’s submissions, presented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Zubair Umar, would be given due consideration in the broader interest of national unity.
He called on traditional leaders, legal professionals, civil society organizations, and youth and women groups to participate actively in shaping a constitution that genuinely reflects the collective aspirations of Nigerians.
Speaking earlier, Chairman of the North-East Zone ‘A’ Constitution Review Committee and Chief Whip of the House, Rt. Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, said the exercise was in line with Section 62 of the Constitution, which mandates the legislature to periodically review the nation’s supreme law.
“Our standing rules empower the House of Representatives to engage citizens in shaping a constitution that is inclusive and people-oriented,” he stated.
Kumo assured participants that all memoranda and recommendations would be treated with fairness, equity, and in the best interest of the country.
Also speaking, Consultant to the House Committee and former Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, said the ongoing review would address critical areas grouped into key themes, including electoral and judicial reforms, inclusive governance, fiscal and security restructuring, and local government autonomy.
He disclosed that some proposed amendments include conducting all general elections on the same day, empowering INEC or a new agency to handle local government polls, and establishing commissions for electoral offenses and political party regulation.
On judicial reform, Abubakar noted that one bill proposes making the Court of Appeal the final arbiter for governorship and legislative election petitions, leaving only presidential appeals for the Supreme Court.
He further revealed proposals aimed at enhancing gender representation, granting state police powers, involving traditional institutions in governance, and addressing issues around citizenship and fundamental rights.
In goodwill messages, representatives of the Bauchi and Taraba State governments, the Chief Judge of Gombe State, and the Emir of Gombe, HRH Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, all commended the initiative and urged for robust participation and transparency.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of memoranda on state and local government creation, federal and state constituency adjustments, and sectoral reforms by various groups and individuals.
