when the National Assembly in Nigeria began the process of amending the Constitution in Nigeria, it was met with enthusiasm by Nigerians. The first phase saw the amendment of the electoral to make way for the 2011 General Elections and other Sections of the Constitution including the first line charge status of the National Assembly. Unfortunately the State Houses of Assembly voted against their own autonomy, thanks to the enormous powers wielded by the Executive Governors (a situation the state houses of Assembly have vowed to correct this time around.
Recently, when the National Assembly began the second phase of the process, public hearings were conducted round the country and the people were consulted by both Houses. with a lot of public resources sank into the system, it is hoped that the exercise shall culminate in correcting the gaps hitherto occasioned in our Constitution and entrench more people oriented sections and clauses that would help govern our society and enhance the state policy of good governance.
After this rigorous process of consulting the people and recording their needs and demands, the respective Committees on Constitution Review of both Houses summarized these positions, memoranda and proposals to pencil down those that carried majority yearnings from the people. However the Senate would turn around to vote against some of these proposals. For instance, the Senate voted against local government autonomy much in disagreement with the majority of Nigerians who agitated for it.
My question is, who are the legislators representing? how come the people want autonomy at the 3rd tier of government and the Senate voted against it.
It is sad that the process now looks like our legislators are now ridiculing a process that was before now perceived to be in good faith. No wonder public commentators and lawyers are beginning to see them as funny actors instead of legitimate representatives.
If the process continues like this, then I pitch tent with Tam David West when he said there is nothing wrong with our Constitution but the people. Why were they wasting all the public resources used to go round Nigeria in the name of consulting the people, if they wishes of the people would not be met. Were they elected by the majority of electorates as our mouth piece and representatives or they were (s)elected by godfathers and as such are projecting the views of a few majority. Why is it so difficult to allow a federating unit operate independently as true federalism suggest?
Only time shall tell. Nigerians please be vigilante enough to demand for voting sheets to know how your representatives voted. Hold them responsible for voting against your choices and lets make this review process a worthy one!
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