12th July, 2025
GOVERNOR INUWA YAHAYA BACKS CONSTITUTION REVIEW, URGES FOR A MORE INCLUSIVE AND FUNCTIONAL FRAMEWORK
…As North-East Zonal Public Hearing Holds in Gombe
The Editor
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has declared full support for the ongoing constitutional review process, describing it as a crucial step toward achieving a more inclusive, equitable, and people-centered governance system in Nigeria.
The Governor made this known while declaring open the North-East Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, held at the International Conference Centre, Gombe.
Speaking to a gathering of stakeholders from Gombe, Bauchi, and Taraba states, Governor Inuwa Yahaya emphasized that Nigeria’s constitutional evolution, dating back to the 1914 Amalgamation, has not fully addressed key governance and representation challenges. He noted that, despite previous amendments in 2010, 2011, 2017, and 2023, unresolved issues around federalism, local governance, fiscal decentralization, and rights protection remain.
“The constitution is a living document—one that must evolve to meet the changing aspirations of our people,” the Governor stated.
He identified three urgent priority areas:
- Political Stability: Through equitable representation and devolution of powers;
- Economic Prosperity: Via fiscal federalism and resource control;
- Social Justice: Ensuring gender equity, protection of the marginalized, and citizens' rights.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya also expressed confidence in the Review Committee's ability to consider Gombe State’s official submissions, presented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Zubair Umar, in the broader interest of national unity and development.
He further called on traditional leaders, civil society groups, legal experts, women, and youth organizations to participate actively in shaping a constitution that truly reflects the collective will of the people.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the North-East Zone ‘A’ Constitutional Review Committee and House Chief Whip, Rt. Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, affirmed that the exercise was in line with Section 62 of the 1999 Constitution and the House Standing Orders, which mandate periodic constitutional engagement with the public.
“The Constitution must be a people-oriented document. We are committed to equity, justice, and fairness in considering all submissions,” Hon. Kumo assured.
He also praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s developmental leadership, describing him as “a blessing to Gombe State.”
In his address, the Committee’s Consultant and former Governor of Bauchi State, Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, outlined key thematic areas under the proposed constitutional amendments. These include:
- Electoral Reforms: Unified general election dates, INEC’s exclusive mandate for national elections, creation of a Political Parties Regulatory Commission, and establishment of an Electoral Offenses Commission.
- Judicial Reforms: Limiting election appeal cases to the Court of Appeal except for presidential cases at the Supreme Court.
- Legislative Reforms: Empowering Assembly clerks to proclaim inaugural sittings.
- Inclusive Governance: Reserved legislative seats for women, creation of state police, and formal roles for traditional institutions.
- Others: Local government autonomy, indigeneship, and expanded human rights protections.
Goodwill messages came from representatives of the Bauchi and Taraba State Governments, the Chief Judge of Gombe State, the Emir of Gombe, HRH Dr. Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, among others.
A key highlight of the session was the presentation of various memoranda seeking the creation of new states and local governments, review of constituency boundaries, and other sectoral reforms by stakeholders across the zone.
Issued by:
Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General (Press Affairs)
Government House, Gombe