Nigerian Senate Considers Procedure For Production Of New Constitution

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The Nigerian Senate is proposing a procedure for the introduction of a new constitution as part of the amendment to the 1999 constitution.
If the amendment is passed, the nation’s president in addition to the National Assembly can introduce a brand new constitution.

For years, some Nigerians have said the current constitution does not represent the wishes and aspirations of the people, having more of military governments’ inputs.

Even with the ongoing constitutional review in the National Assembly, there are still agitations for a new constitution.

The Wednesday plenary appears to be opening a window for the introduction of a new constitution, with the presentation of some new proposals by the Senate Committee which has been working on review of the constitution.

One of the proposals is to allow the president and the National Assembly to initiate a process of producing a new constitution.

As expected from a matter of such significance, intense debate on the issues ensued after the proposals were read.

It appears the debate is coming at the right time, as a National Conference aimed at charting a better future for the country is ongoing in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The three-month conference will end in June and there have been calls on the National Assembly to consider a review of the constitution to accommodate a referendum after the conference if need be.

The constitution amendment is seen as a window of opportunity in the event that the ongoing conference’s decisions involve the introduction of a new constitution.

Other new proposals, which were presented for amendment, include alterations of section 68 and 109 to mandate the clerk of the National Assembly and State House of Assembly to notify the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in writing within seven days of the vacancy arising from the death, resignation or vacation of seat of a member of the National or State Assembly.

Another proposal is to empower INEC to deregister political parties which fail to win presidential, governorship, chairmanship of a local government Area Council or seat in the National or State Assembly.

Lawmakers would vote on these amendments on the April 9.