Chieftains of Joint Action for Good Governance (JAGG) has taken a swipe on the Nigerian Federal House of Representatives for not disclosing to the public the 24-month Constitution amendment roadmap, a step which would have given room for better and much profitable deliberation on it.
In a statement jointly issued by JAGG’s Vice President Comrade Abdulwaheed Odunuga and the General Secretary Comrade Adekunle Aderibigbe, the group first commended the federal legislators for the constitution of a Special Committee for the review of the 1999 Constitution amendment, stating that it is a step in the right direction.
“It is indeed a commendable step towards ensuring that our constitution reflects the evolving needs and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
“We appreciate the Leadership of the House of Representatives, for their commitments to inclusive governance by stating that the House intends to engage Nigerians across senatorial districts through open forums and digital platforms to gather their inputs.
“This approach demonstrates a genuine desire to incorporate diverse perspectives into the constitutional review process.”
JAGG however,berated the seemingly lack of public disclosure of the 24-month constitution amendment roadmap.
“However, while we acknowledge the importance of the 40 bills proposed for amendment, we must raise concerns regarding the lack of public disclosure of the 24-month Constitution amendment roadmap.
“Given the gravity of the issues listed for amendment, such as addressing insecurity and economic difficulties, transparency and public participation are crucial for ensuring legitimacy and effectiveness in the amendment process.
“We urge the House of Representatives to prioritize transparency and accountability by promptly making the Constitution amendment roadmap public.
“This will allow Nigerians to understand the timeline and process for the review and provide meaningful contributions at each stage. Additionally, it will enhance trust in the constitutional review process and promote inclusivity in decision-making.
“Furthermore, we recommend that the House of Representatives establish mechanisms for regular updates and consultations with stakeholders throughout the 24-month roadmap. This will enable continuous engagement and feedback, ensuring that the constitutional review reflects the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people.
“In conclusion, while we appreciate the initiative taken by the House of Representatives, we emphasize the importance of transparency, public participation, and accountability in the Constitution amendment process.
“By adhering to these principles, we can ensure that the review leads to meaningful reforms that address the pressing challenges facing our nation and contribute to the realization of our national goals.” JAGG affirms.