Senate Considers Procedure For New Constitution
By Olorunfemi Ojo
Nigerian Senate is proposing a procedure for the introduction of a new constitution as part of the amendment to the 1999 constitution.
If the amendment is passed, the nation’s president in addition to the National Assembly can introduce a brand new constitution.
For years, some Nigerians have said the current constitution does not
represent the wishes and aspirations of the people, having more of military governments’ inputs.
Even with the ongoing constitutional review in the National Assembly,
there are still agitations for a new constitution.
At Wednesday plenary presentation of some new proposals were made by the Senate Committee which has been working on review of the constitution.
One of the proposals is to allow the President and the National Assembly to initiate a process of producing a new constitution.
As expected from a matter of such significance, intense debate on the
issues ensued after the proposals were read.
Other new proposals, which were presented for amendment, include
alterations of section 68 and 109 to mandate the clerk of the National
Assembly and State House of Assembly to notify the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) in writing within seven days of the vacancy arising from the death,resignation or vacation of seat of a
member of the National or State Assembly.
Another proposal is to empower INEC to de-register political parties which fail to win presidential, governorship, chairmanship of a local government Area Council or seat in the National
or State Assembly.
Voting on the new amendments have been scheduled for April 9.
