Niger Gov reaffirms help for constitutional amendments

Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to upholding its constitutional responsibilities with patriotism, integrity, and foresight.

Bago stated this at the public hearing on the review of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), held in Minna for the North Central Zone, Centre A, comprising Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states, at the instance of the House of Representatives.

He pledged support for constitutional amendments that promote justice, protect human rights, and preserve the dignity of all Nigerians.

The governor, who was represented by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, applauded the initiative by the National Assembly.

He described the move as a symbol of responsiveness and a demonstration of commitment to inclusive governance, participatory democracy, and nation-building through institutional reforms.

According to him, the public hearing is a platform that allows all stakeholders to express their concerns and aspirations, and provide viable solutions that could shape the Constitution to be more just, equitable, and responsive to the needs of the people.

He called on the National Assembly to ensure that the views expressed by the people and institutions of Niger, Kogi, and Kwara states are well reflected, maintaining, “the public hearing is a step towards a more representative and durable constitutional framework.”

Earlier, the chairman of North Central Centre A of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, who is also the Deputy Majority Leader in the House of Representatives, Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, explained that the public hearing is to ensure the participation of Nigerians in the process of the amendment.

Halims noted: “The key to the unity of Nigeria lies mostly in the exercise and the outcome will either make or mar the country. Therefore, I urge all presenters to do what would bring growth, unity, peace, and development to Nigeria.”

In their separate goodwill messages, the Kogi State governor, represented by Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State, Barr. Muzi Yinus Abdullahi, and the Emir of Borgu, Alh. Muhammad Sanusi Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV, who spoke on behalf of the representative of the Traditional Rulers, appealed to the National Assembly to critically look into all issues to ensure a people-oriented constitution.