Constitution Review: Kano, Jigawa, Katsina Demand Creation of New States

•Outcome of review will reflect Nigerians’ views, says Deputy Senate President, Jibril

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Kano, Jigawa and Katsina states yesterday supported the clamour for the creation of additional states in the country.

This is as the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibril, stated that the Constitution Review Committee will operate with open-mindedness and integrity, free from preconceived opinions, to ensure that the outcome of the legislative process truly reflects the views of Nigerians.

The three states made their positions known at the commencement of the North-West Zonal Public Hearing on the Constitution Review held in Kano.

The representative of Kano State government at the event, who is the Chief of Staff to Governor Abba Yusuf, Dr Wali Sani, presented the state government’s position, supporting the creation of new states out of the present-day Kano State.

The Deputy Governor of the Jigawa State Alhaji Aminu Usman, also expressed support for creation of a new state from the state.

Similarly, the representative of Katsina State, Senator Ibrahim Idah, called for a specific role for traditional rulers in the constitution and the creation of Karaduwa and Bayajidda states from Katsina State.

“We want to say clearly and categorically that we, Katsina people, support the creation of two more states out of Katsina State,” Idah stated.

 Also speaking at the event, Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibril, stated that the Constitution Review Committee would operate with open-mindedness and integrity, free from preconceived opinions, to ensure that the legislative process truly reflects the views of Nigerians.

Jibrin said: “Since Nigeria’s transition to democracy in 1999 after years of military rule, demands for constitutional amendments and reviews have continued unabated.”

He emphasised the importance of recognising that the committee’s work is a collaborative effort with their esteemed colleagues in both the House of Representatives and the state Houses of Assembly.

“Our collaboration will not end with this public hearing; together, we will enhance our contributions to produce outcomes that resonate with a national consensus, always prioritising the interests of our citizens.

“We received hundreds of memos addressing key issues that have not yet been resolved by the previous amendments, mainly due to a lack of national consensus and the evolving dynamics of modern governance.

“Several key issues we need to address include electoral reforms and adjudication; judicial reforms focused on case management and administration; enhancements to local government administration.

“The involvement of traditional institutions in contemporary governance; promoting human rights; ensuring gender equity and inclusion in governance; the devolution and distribution of powers and concerns related to security and policing.

“We have carefully reviewed and translated your memoranda into bills, which we now present to you for further input and discussion.

“We encourage you to share your insights and contributions at this hearing with an open mind. The committee is committed to considering all viewpoints and perspectives, particularly those of individuals who may be unable to travel to Abuja to express their opinions.

“We invite you to articulate your thoughts and engage in the crucial reform process aimed at strengthening our democratic structures, institutions and fostering unity, as well as improving good governance. So, you are here to ventilate your views. You have no bounds,” he said.