By Timothy Ekpo
IKOT EKPENE
The Akwa Ibom governor has called on the National Assembly Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution to focus on issues that would restructure the nation on the path of true federalism.
Pastor Umo Eno made the call at a two-day Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, organised by the National Assembly Committee for South South zone at Four Points By Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene.
Represented by the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the governor described the Committee’s work as an event on which the destiny of the nation lied, saying that instead of being taken as mere function of the National Assembly, the 1999 Constitution should be amended which features of promoting good governance, equity, justice, fair distribution of economic resources based on derivation and peaceful co-existence of the diverse ethnic groups in the country.
The governor explained that issues bothering on amendment of the 1999 Constitution, captured on 13 key aspects by the Senate Committee on the Review of Constitution, spoke to most and persistent questions about the structure, efficiency, equity and future of the union of the nation.
Eno called for constructive engagement, adding that the inputs should be that would cater for the benefit of the present and future generation.
He said the areas resonates deeply with the yearnings of the people of the South South region, mirroring the long standing call for a prosperous, responsive and restructured Nigeria, where every unit of the federation would flourish, contribute meaningfully and feel a sense of belonging.
The state chief executive pointed out that Akwa Ibom people and the South South, in general, saw the exercise not just with internet, but with hope, “Hope that this constitutional process will be far from being a normal talk show, but will move the country to a federation that works for all by protecting the rights of every citizen, empowers community and unlock the full potentials of States”, Eno said.
He told the Committee that while driving reforms, they should be cautious not to create any ground for conflict and chaos at the grassroots and commended the 10th Senate, led by an illustrious son of the State, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for placing premium on the review of the Constitution by allowing every zone to make inputs.
The governor particularly appreciated the clear intent of the Committee to make the anticipated reforms citizen-driven, participatory and transparent values that lies in the hearth of democracy and assured that at the appropriate time, Akwa Ibom government will send a written position paper at a short notice to the committee after due consultation with relevant key stakeholders in Akwa Ibom polity.
The Senate President, Senator Akpabio, on his remarks, noted that the review was to ensure that South South region speaks in one voice, as well as collate and make everything possible to ensure that the Region’s voice was heard by Nigerians.
Akpabio appreciated Eno for his commitment to the event and assured that inputs gathered at the various public hearing would be used to address gray areas in the Nation’s Constitution.
In his address, the chairman of the occasion, Senator Seriaki Dickson, appreciated the governor for the warm reception, stating that the session would ensure synergy towards promoting the development of the region.
The event had in attendance senators, government officials, traditional rulers, women, and other interest groups, also featured speeches from the Deputy Senate President, interested parties, as well as presentation of memoranda.
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