The Deputy President of the Senate has given the assurance that the ongoing Constitution review exercise, will not fail to bequeath to Nigerians the much clamoured need for an independent judicial system.
Omo – Agege who is the Chairman of the Senate Ad – hoc committee on Constitution Review gave the assurance on Friday in Abuja at the commencement of the second leg of retreat for members of the Adhoc – Committees from both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Omo – Agege at the retreat which also had Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in attendance, added that effective administration of Justice will also be the order of the day from the amendment being put in place.
“The proposed amendments in the bills we have shared with you set out institutional and legal reforms, which together with sufficient political will, will help to strengthen institutions of governance, provide for accountability and transparency in governance; and create an independent judicial system that would ensure effective administration of justice in Nigeria”, he said.
He added that the amendment will also further strengthen the independence of the legislature for the required checks and balances among the three arms of government.
He said: “The overarching rationale for the amendments contained in these bills is thus predicated on the need to amongst others: strengthen the legislature’s authority to enable it to serve as an effective pillar of checks and balance to the executive; strengthen independent constitutional bodies; create and strengthen a culture of good governance; address the issues of corruption, revenue leakages and unbridled government spending”.
He told the State Assembly Speakers that their presence at the retreat was to intimate them with amendment proposals being worked upon for easy concurrence when eventually transmitted to them in two weeks.
“It is prudent to meet with you today and update you on the progress we have made after the public hearings that held in 12 centres across the six geo-political zones of the country, of which you fully participated.
” The success of this process largely depends on your support and partnership. Going forward, after the passage of the proposals by the National Assembly in a fortnight, you will be the pillar on which this work will be anchored
“I assure you most sincerely that our work up to this point has been guided strictly by best legislative practice, integrity, open-mindedness, and patriotism. I, therefore, encourage you, irrespective of political leanings and other affiliations to abide by the same standards while making your contributions.
“I know it is the desire of every Nigerian that this process will bring positive transformations to our country. Therefore, we should all leverage this retreat to bequeath to our nation a constitution that speaks to the yearnings and aspirations of every Nigerian”, he stressed.
