Summary:

• Stakeholders convene in Akwa Ibom for a constitution review retreat, advocating for economic transformation, state policing, and women’s inclusion in politics. Key figures emphasize the need for reform to address economic challenges and enhance governance.

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In a pivotal retreat organized by the House of Representatives in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, stakeholders converge to address critical issues in Nigeria’s ongoing constitution review. Key points of focus include strategic economic transformation, state policing, and enhanced women inclusion in politics, as outlined in a communique issued at the retreat’s conclusion.

Dr. Samson Osagie, Consultant on Election Matters to the House Committee on Constitution Review, highlights the urgency of considering state policing and increasing women’s participation in governance. He also advocates for advisory roles for traditional rulers and proposes direct funding for local governments from the Federal Government to ensure autonomy.

Addressing economic concerns, Dr. Olusegun Omisakin from the Nigerian Economic Summit Group underscores the need for economic roadmaps to steer the nation towards growth and development. He emphasizes the dominance of the nonproductive sector in the economy and suggests strategies for revitalization.

Reflecting on the nexus between insecurity and economic downturn, Deputy House Leader Rep. Abdullahi Halims calls for constitutional provisions to prohibit open grazing, attributing economic challenges to insecurity.

Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, highlights structural deficiencies in Nigeria’s political system, emphasizing the need for reform to address current social and economic realities.

In a collaborative spirit, Chairman Conference of State Speakers, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin, expresses optimism in the joint efforts of state and national assemblies to achieve the objectives of the constitution review.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, represented by Deputy Governor Sen. Akon Eyakenyi, acknowledges challenges in constitutional acceptance but pledges support for producing a document reflective of Nigerians’ aspirations.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, assures Nigerians of the review’s potential to modernize legal frameworks, enhance institutional capacity, and drive inclusive national development.

President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, underscores the importance of diverse perspectives in the review process, urging participants to ensure the outcome reflects the voices of all Nigerians.

The event also saw the participation of distinguished guests including Speaker of Guinea Bissau Domingos Pereira and senators from various Nigerian states, alongside notable personalities and consultants.