Constitution Review Belongs to the People

By Gloria Ikibah

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Chairman of the House of Representatives North West Centre Zone B Sub-Committee on Constitutional Review, Rep. Sada Soli, has assured Nigerians that the ongoing constitutional amendment process will reflect the people’s hopes and aspirations.

Speaking at the North-West Zonal Public Hearing in Sokoto, Soli described citizens as the “true authors” of the next chapter of Nigeria’s constitutional development.

He urged stakeholders from Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states to actively contribute to the process, and emphasised that their input was crucial to shaping the future of the country’s democracy.

According to him, the 2025 constitutional review would be the most inclusive and people-driven exercise in Nigeria’s history, designed to ensure that the voices of ordinary citizens are fully represented.

He said: “This is not just a gathering, it is a national conversation. You are not just observers. You are stakeholders and co-authors of Nigeria’s next constitutional chapter.

“The Committee, inaugurated in February 2024, is currently reviewing 87 priority amendment bills across key areas including judicial reform, electoral transparency, state policing, gender inclusion, fiscal accountability, and local government autonomy, State and local government policing (HB-617) Guaranteed financial autonomy for state judiciaries and

Reserved seats for women in government”.

Rep. Soli commended the Sokoto State Government, led by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, Kebbi and Zamfara States for their

for their hospitality, and cooperation.

“This is your moment. Do not hold back your ideas, criticisms, or aspirations. We are listening”, Soli stated.

He therefore urged the public to be vigilant as the bills move to the National Assembly and eventually to State Houses of Assembly.

“Let us build a Nigeria where justice, equity, and progress are not just ideals, but everyday realities,” he said.

Presenting their recommendations to the committee, the assemblies of the three North-West states, in collaboration with civil society organizations and local government Chairmen, stressed the urgent need for the creation of additional states.

They argued that the additional states would enable more effective policing and help tackle the persistent insecurity, underdevelopment, and social ills plaguing the region.

They further noted that the vast landmass of the North-West makes governance and security enforcement difficult, contributing to the recent surge in insecurity.