To encourage citizen participation in the constitutional review process, stakeholders in Nigeria have stressed the need for Citizen’s involvement, saying that everyone in society has a duty to bear, not only the government.
This was made known at the National Citizen’s Town Hall organized by Equity International Initiative in collaboration with CYPA Africa, with the participation of youth-led representatives, civil society organizations, and academia. Held at the prestigious Fox Hotel In Jos, Plateau state.
Equity International Initiative is a community of young change makers that is non-governmental, non-profit civil society organisation committed to changing and reshaping the future of Africa using young people as a catalyst.
The CLEEN Foundation’s Executive Director, Dr. Gad Shamaki, gave the keynote speech on “The Importance of Citizens’ Engagement in Constitutional Review.”
Dr. Shamaki emphasized the importance of transparency and conversation regarding citizenship and its legal consequences in the Nigerian environment. He noted the shortcomings of earlier constitutional evaluations and urged the current process to address long-standing issues, notably those raised by social movements and security challenges.
According to Dr. Shamaki, He stated, “Our constitution is the bank of our democracy, upon which all of our rights and freedom are founded. The constitution, which is the foundation of our democracy, represents the value, risk, and desire of our community.
Regarding the sensitive subject of state police and governance, Dr. Shamaki voiced support for the notion while emphasizing the significance of complementing measures such as strong governance and economic autonomy in ensuring law enforcement efficacy and accountability.
He stressed the critical role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the constitutional revision process, calling for acknowledgment of previous efforts while urging for ongoing activity for the collective good of society. Dr. Shamaki asked participants to promote justice, equality, and diversity in the review process, with a focus on disadvantaged and vulnerable populations.
The Executive Director of CYPA Africa and Country Director of Equity International Initiative, Ambassador Chris Iyama, stressed the value of public participation in the constitution-making process. He emphasized the necessity of a constitution that is focused on the people and asked the populace to actively engage in the process by sending memoranda to the National Assembly.
The President of the Ijaw National Youth Council globally, Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr., stressed the value of Nigerian unity, irrespective of religion or ethnicity. He emphasized the necessity of unity in promoting the wellbeing of all Nigerians and advocated for a change from sectional conduct to a collective emphasis on tackling shared concerns.
Hajiya Fatima Suleiman, Executive Director of the Islamic Counselling Initiative of Nigeria (ICIN), expressed optimism regarding the constitutional review process, noting the noteworthy attendance of more than 200 participants, which included representatives from human rights activists, faith-based organizations, and civil society. She emphasized the value of impartiality and neutrality in the review process and urged inclusion and the taking into account of different points of view.
Barr. I.K. Anyalewechi, a member of the Equity International Initiative’s governing board, bemoaned in his speech the lack of interest shown by the public in participating in national affairs. In addition to advocating proactive participation in the constitutional revision process, he urged for concrete actions towards public involvement.
In order to meet the different needs of Nigerians and close existing loopholes in the 1999 constitution, the townhall included panel discussions covering a range of subjects that need particular constitutional evaluations.
