Bauchi State Stakeholders have called on the National Assembly to assign constitutional roles to traditional rulers, create additional local government areas, and consider the creation of a new state out of the present Bauchi State as part of the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution.
These key demands were presented at a one-day town hall summit held in Bauchi, organised by Senator Shehu Buba Umar, who represents Bauchi South Senatorial District.
The summit was convened in collaboration with the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bauchi South Zonal Executive Committee to gather public input and foster inclusive engagement on the constitutional review process.
The forum drew participation from a broad range of stakeholders including government officials, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, legal experts, youth and women groups, artisans, trade unions, political figures, and members of the general public.
The diverse gathering aimed to create a shared platform for discussing constitutional reforms vital to the region’s development and Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking at the summit, Hon. Abdulmumini Mohammed Kundak, Chairman of the APC Zonal Executive Committee on Constitution Review, described the event as a critical platform to collect informed and unified opinions from constituents.
He noted that the views collected would form the foundation for Bauchi South’s position at the North-East zonal public hearing to be hosted by the National Assembly in Maiduguri, Borno State.
To ensure effective coordination of inputs, the stakeholders unanimously agreed to establish a technical committee tasked with gathering, reviewing, and harmonising submissions from various communities across the senatorial district.
The committee’s objective is to eliminate duplications, contradictions, and overlapping interests, thereby creating a coherent and strategic position for the region.
Barrister Ibrahim Yakubu Umar, who was appointed to chair the newly inaugurated committee, assured stakeholders of a transparent and inclusive process.
He promised that the collation and submission of memoranda would be conducted promptly and fairly, ensuring that no group or community would be left out of the consultative process.
According to the organisers, the initiative represents a proactive step to ensure that the voices and interests of the people of Bauchi South are adequately captured in the ongoing constitutional amendment.
They reiterated that active citizen participation is essential in shaping a constitution that truly reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of Nigerians.