One thing at a time this time
There are still lofty sentiments and fine words about amending the Nigerian constitution. Whether there's more political will than before remains to be seen.For some people the fact that the constitution was promulgated by a military government, without public input is the issue. Others see flaws in the centralized federalism. Still others see the regime as a guarantee of political dominance by northerners. And others feel cheated in the distribution of oil income. But they all fear losing what they have and granting benefits to their political opponents.
We'll see.
From Daily Trust (Abuja)
Constitution - States, Elections, Immunity Top List
"Revenue allocation, federalism, immunity clause, systems of local government, state creation, electoral system and separation of powers should be some of the priority areas of the National Assembly's Joint Constitution Review Committee (JCRC), Senate President David Mark [left] said while inaugurating the committee in Abuja yesterday..."While advising on incremental amendments to the constitution, Senator Mark said 'the previous attempt failed because that report proposed in one fell swoop a basket of 120 amendments.'...
"While calling on all Nigerians to jettison any illusion that the constitution can be amended holistically, Mark said 'the past history of our attempts at constitutional democracy has been a checkered one, marked by miss-steps, brutal interruptions, and long periods of military authoritarian rules. The result is that our nation so richly blessed in human and material resources continued to stagnate and to abdicate its rightful place in the comity of the greatest nations of the world.'
"He said the 1999 constitution was neither the product of a plebiscite, referendum, nor a national conference but was bequeathed to us by the departing military and promulgated into law by military fiat.
"On his part, Speaker of the House of Representatives Dimeji Bankole [right]... reminded [the JCRC] of the historical significance of the assignment before them, saying 'I would also go further to remind members of the committee that posterity would not judge us kindly if we miss the present opportunity to right the wrongs that have created distrust, instability and stunted growth in our country.'..."The [JCRC] which is expected to commence work immediately has eighty (88) members drawn from both the Senate and the House of Representatives, with each chamber producing 44 members..."
Labels: cleavages, constitution, Nigeria, politics
posted by Ken Wedding @ 6:11 AM
1 Comments:
Presidency Withholds N1 Billion Allocation to Constitution Review Panel
"It emerged at the weekend that the National Assembly (NASS) Joint Committee on Constitution Review (JCCR) has postponed its retreat in Ilorin because of its N1 billion allocation in the 2008 budget is being held up by Aso Rock...
"Meanwhile, the National Assembly has re-appropriated N1 billion for the JCCR in the 2009 budget."
["Aso Rock" is the popular name for the president's residence and offices. In a US context it would be like talking about the White House.]
Post a Comment
<< Home