More than a year ago, the National Assembly began the process of amending the 1999 constitution with both chambers setting up committees to review the constitution.
After months of retreats, consultations and public hearings across the six geopolitical zones to feel the pulse of the people on the issues up for amendment, the senate committee, headed by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, has completed its report and made recommendations on the areas up for amendment.
The committee’s review highlighted some areas up for amendment such as state police, tenure of the president and governors, fiscal federalism, state creation, local government autonomy and indigenization.
At the senate proceedings, the committee recommended a six year single term for the president and governors.
The report, however, indicated that the serving president and governors will not benefit from the new proposal.
The committee also seeks to amend the constitution to make provision for the remuneration of past presiding officers of the National Assembly.
The report also addressed the issues of autonomy for local governments.