Constitution Review: Senate Urges Traditional Rulers To Mobilise Subjects

The Chairman of the Senate Constitution Review Committee (CRC), Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has urged traditional rulers to ensure that their subjects participate in the review of the Constitution.

He made the call after receiving a memorandum from delegation of the National Development Summit of Traditional Rulers.

The delegation was led by the Igwe of Oko (Anambra), Prof Laz Ekwueme, who represented the chairman of the Summit and Asagba of Asaba (Delta), Prof. Chike Edozien.

Ekweremadu, who is also the Senate deputy president, said the call was necessary to ensure that Nigerians from all walks of life make meaningful contributions to the exercise.

He reiterated the committee’s commitment to hold public hearings across the six geo-political zones as the issues for amendment would be properly highlighted and discussed by the various stakeholders.

“Therefore, you need to help us when the public hearings start so that your opinions and those of your subjects will count in the final decision on this matter.

“You need to help us mobilise the people to come and listen to what the issues are and tell us what they think because we are representing Nigerians.

“ So you need to help us to generate sufficient discussions at the lowest possible cadre of the society so that every person in Nigeria will have a say in this constitution review.”

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Prof. Laz Ekwueme urged the committee to provide a uniform welfare package to all traditional rulers in Nigeria.

He also called for a specific role for the traditional rulers to oversee security of lives and property in their domains.

“Traditional rulers should be empowered to take charge of security in their areas and a uniform welfare package put in place for all traditional rulers.’’

Ekwueme said the National Development Summit of Traditional Rulers comprised traditional rulers from the six geo-political zones.