Politicians Slam Constitution Review Committee

Some politicians in Rivers State have criticised the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution lists of “No go areas” in the on going constitution review process.

Two former members of the Federal House of Representatives, Hon Chinyere Emma Igwe and Hon Ike Chinwo said the Senate has no right to dictate to Nigerians what they want in the constitution.

The two former lawmakers who spoke with The Tide in a separate interview said it is the people who will make up their mind what will constitute the constitution of the country.

Hon Igwe in his own words: “Nigerians should decide on what they want. It is the peoples constitution.”

Hon Igwe, a legal practitioner appealed to the National Assembly not to restrict the rights of Nigerians to express their views on any aspect of the constitution.

Hon Ike Chinwo in his reaction advised the committee to carry the people along as he tasked the legislators to ensure holistic review of the constitution.

The Rivers State Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Deacon Princewill Enyi queried why the ‘No go area by the Constitutional Review Committee when the people blamed the military for the type of  constitution we have now.     

Deacon Enyi said there should be no exception if an unbias, sound and universal constitution is anticipated.  

According to him, issues of immunity, 5-year single tenure and incumbent leaving office before elections should be revisited, If not, National Conference with Representatives from every state of the nation should be involved.

The NNPP chairman who was awarded the outstanding politician is Rivers State by the Public Express newspaper, said sovereignty is the only solution to the nations ills because Nigeria is already a sovereign state in principle.