By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

Following the Public Hearing of Bills to further ammend the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to pave the way for creation of new states, local government autonomy and improve security in the North East, various agitators for the creation of new states (Amana out of Adamawa, Savanna out of Borno and Katagum out of Bauchi) stormed Mohammed Indimi International Conference Hall at University of Maiduguri to present and defend their positions.

Others who also clamoured for state creation include Muri out of Taraba state, Tangale Waja out of Gombe state among others, even as Savanna state which is billed to be carved out of present Borno state are expected to submit their memorandum on Saturday at the hearing.

Savanna is made up of nine local government areas of Southern Borno Senatorial District, they include; Biu, Hawul, Askira-Uba, Chibok, Damboa, Shani, Kwaya Kusar, Gwoza and Bayo.

Also Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, women and youth groups including Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), led by its Secretary General, Saudatu Mahdi submitted their memorandum with a primary reform aims to increase women’s participation in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.

Declaring the 2-Day meeting opened, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Umar Kadafur commended the leadership of the national Assembly for organizing such an opportunity for Nigerians to add their voices on the need to review the existing Constitution.

He pledged unwavering support to the all participants by the state government to ensure inclusivity and good governance at the national, state and local levels.

In their goodwill messages, the Speakers of the state assemblies in the six states of the Zone, represented by Speaker Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan advocated for full autonomy to the State Assemblies to ensure effective legislation.

Also, the Shehu of Borno, Dr. Abubakar Garbai Al -amin Elkanemi and the former senate President, Ahmed Lawan extended their deep appreciation to the organisers, and pledged to play their own roles by ensuring that the yearning and aspirations of participants are given the desired attention.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman Senate Committee On Constitution Review, who is the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jubrin, represented by the Chairman North East Zone, and Chief WHIP, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno (APC Borno North), commended participants for the large and peaceful turn out, noting that the Zonal Public Hearing
focused on the bills and issues related to amendments of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

He informed the gathering that this important event is taking place
simultaneously across the six geopolitical zones starting from today (Friday 3rd to Satruday 4th July, 2025) in Enugu, Kano, Jos, Lagos, Uyo, and Borno.

He said, since the nation’s return to constitutional democracy in 1999, following a prolonged period of military dictatorship, the calls for amendments and reviews to the Constitution have remained persistent and vigorous.

His words: “In response to the demands of Nigerians, the National Assembly has enacted five sets of amendments to the Constitution, known as the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th,
and 5th Alteration Acts.

“These amendments tackle various issues related to good governance, institutional strengthening, and national aspirations.

“However, several fundamental issues of national importance remain unresolved, requiring more than just routine law-making by the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.

“These issues continue to dominate public discourse, with many Nigerians advocating for legislative action to address them.

“I want to emphasise that many Nigerians believe the challenges we face regarding our Constitution and governance are not solely due to a need for constitutional amendments. Instead, they stem from our attitude towards life
and our commitment to upholding not just the letters of the Constitution, our foundational norm, but also its spirit.

“I resonate with this perspective.
Nonetheless, as the legislative body representing the people’s interests, the National Assembly has a vital duty to address the people’s calls for renewed hope with proactive measures.

“In response to growing demands, the 10th Senate constituted the Constitution Review Committee to tackle citizens’ calls for amendments to the Constitution.
The Committee’s mandate is to foster a broad national consensus, rather than echo the voices of a powerful minority that dominate media platforms”. Monguno stated.

First to make presentation of Memorandum was the Director General for the creation of new Amana State out of Adamawa, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Sali Bello, Dan Amanar Mubi, said, Amana state is not a demand, but a correction of a historical injustices meted on the area by the Nigerian state.

Additionally, he claimed that there was a breach of trust on the part of the Nigerian Nation that promised that the area in question which voted willingly to join Nigeria through a United Nations conducted plebiscite on the 11th February of 1961, which was recieved by the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello and other representatives, with a pledge that; the area will remain a distinct entity as a province, that the capital city of Mubi will remain equal to other capitals such as Kano, Katrina and Ilorin.

Therefore, addressing the Nigerian Senate, the Elder Statesman called for action in favour of Amana, so that the current Senate and the National Assembly write their name in Gold by correcting what he termed ‘Gross Historical Injustice’.

Also in his submission on behalf of Katagum state out of Bauchi, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Ambassadors Ahmed Yayale pleaded for the creation of Katagum as a new state, even as he advocated for electoral reforms, restructure government and traditional institutions.

He lamented that, it is very disheartening to note that some traditional rulers were appointed, but further deposed by same state government due to political or selfish interest, which he said, such act will no longer auger well for development and peaceful coexistence in the society.

Likewise, on behalf of Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), the Secretary General, Saudatu Mahdi, represented by Permanent Secretary under Borno State Government, Dr. Yabawa Koli said their submission aims to increase women’s participation in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.

She pointed out that the revised bill proposes creating 74 additional seats for women in the National Assembly and 108 special seats for women in the 36 states Houses of Assembly, as against the current reality at the 10th national Assembly where only less than 7% seats is occupied by women, while only 4.4% women occupation at the state assemblies.

“Our key recommendations are to provide a special constituency structure for women contesting these additional seats which will last for not less than 16 years, and to also ensure rotational of the seats within Senatorial districts and constituencies for equity”. Kolo stated.

Other groups also agitated for creation of new local governments, electoral reforms and review of the security situation in the region.

Those in attendance are Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South), Kaka Shehu Lawan (Borno Central) and Abdul Ningi from Bauchi among other dignitaries.