In a bid to foster citizen participation in the constitutional review process, stakeholders have emphasized the imperative for collective engagement, asserting that the responsibility lies not only with the government but with all members of society.
Dr. Gad Shamaki, Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, delivered a keynote address on “The Importance of Citizens’ Engagement in Constitutional Review” during the National Citizens Townhall on Constitutional Review held in Jos, Plateau State on Friday, April 6th, 2024. The event, hosted by Equity International Initiative and CYPA Africa, saw the participation of youth-led representatives, civil society organizations, and academia.
Dr. Shamaki underscored the necessity for clarity and discussion on citizenship and its legal implications within the Nigerian context. He highlighted overlooked issues in past constitutional reviews and urged the current process to address longstanding concerns, particularly those raised by social movements and security challenges.
Regarding the contentious topic of state police and governance, Dr. Shamaki expressed support for the concept but stressed the importance of complementary measures such as good governance and economic autonomy to ensure the effectiveness and accountability of law enforcement.
He emphasized the pivotal role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the constitutional review process and called for recognition of past contributions while advocating for continued activism for the collective benefit of society. Dr. Shamaki urged participants to prioritize principles of justice, equality, and inclusivity in the review process, emphasizing the needs of marginalized and vulnerable groups.
Sir Jonathan Lokpobiri Snr., President of the Ijaw National Youth Council worldwide, emphasized the importance of unity among Nigerians regardless of ethnicity or religion. He called for a shift from sectional behavior to a collective focus on addressing common challenges, stressing the need for solidarity in advocating for the welfare of all Nigerians.
Executive Director, Islamic Counselling Initiative of Nigeria (ICIN), Hajiya Fatima Suleiman, expressed optimism about the constitutional review process, highlighting the significant turnout of over 200 participants, including representatives from civil society, human rights activists, and faith-based organizations. She stressed the importance of neutrality and objectivity in the review process, urging inclusivity and consideration of diverse perspectives.
Ambassador Chris Iyama, Country Director of Equity International Initiative and Executive Director of CYPA Africa, emphasized the importance of citizen input in shaping the constitution. He underscored the need for a people-oriented constitution and urged citizens to actively participate in the process by submitting memoranda to the National Assembly.
In his remarks, Barr. I.K Anyalewechi, a member of the governing board of Equity International Initiative, lamented the apathy of citizens towards engagement in national issues. He called for practical steps towards citizen involvement, urging proactive participation in the constitutional reform process.
The townhall featured panel sessions addressing various issues requiring specific constitutional reviews to address the diverse needs of Nigerians and bridge existing gaps in the 1999 constitution.