…As North central constitution review hearing takes place in Jos
Caleb Manaseh Mutfwang, a lawyer and Plateau State governor, has called for bold constitutional reforms, particularly the establishment of state police, fiscal federalism, and devolution of powers, as critical steps towards addressing Nigeria’s growing insecurity and governance challenges.
The governor made this known on Friday in Jos, at the Zonal Public Hearing of the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution for the North Central region, chaired by Jibrin Barau, the deputy senate President, represented by Oyelola Yisa Ashiru of the All Progressives Congress representing Kwara South and deputy leader of the Senate.
Welcoming dignitaries to the two days event, including governors, senators, and members of the National and State Assemblies, the Plateau State Governor stressed the historical importance of the constitutional review process. Quoting Joaquim Chissano, a former Mozambican President, he emphasized that constitution making is not just a legal or political exercise, but a nation-building effort that must reflect the aspirations of the people.
The governor lamented Nigeria’s long-standing constitutional and structural challenges, tracing them to colonial legacies, military rule, and various flawed democratic experiments.
He said that while past efforts had produced documents, they often failed to fully capture the collective will of the people. He stressed that the current review is an opportunity to hand over a “banner without stain” to future generations.
Focusing strongly on security, he said the rising insecurity ranging from terrorism, ethnic violence, banditry, and killings by herders has pushed Nigeria to the brink.
He described the violent displacement of indigenous communities, particularly in the North Central, as tantamount to “genocidal attacks” and called for urgent action. According to him, the proliferation of non-state armed groups has overwhelmed the centralized security structure, making state police not just necessary, but overdue.
He also highlighted that self-help and regional security arrangements have emerged across the country, reflecting the loss of public confidence in the federal security agencies.
“We must speak on state police now or risk being seen as criminally negligent,” he warned.
Mutfwang noted that the failure to act could leave Nigeria further exposed to internal collapse despite not being at war.
Beyond security, the governor advocated for reforms in fiscal federalism, judicial independence, legislative modernization, and greater recognition of citizenship and indigeneity rights.
He stated that empowering subnational units to manage their resources and development would improve governance and accountability across the board.
The governor urged all stakeholders present to approach the review exercise with patriotism and selflessness.
“While no constitution is perfect, it is our responsibility to produce one that meets our current realities,” he said.
He added that the outcome of the process could determine how soon Nigeria realizes its potential as not only the giant of Africa but a beacon for the black race globally.
In his speech, the chairman pledged that the panel will thoroughly address the concerns of all Nigerian citizens in the ongoing constitutional amendment process.
Barau emphasized the importance of inclusivity and responsiveness in crafting a document that reflects the collective aspirations of the people.
He assured participants that every voice will be heard, and no relevant issue will be overlooked.
The chairman reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to key reform areas such as electoral integrity, judicial independence, the promotion of human rights, and the devolution of powers to strengthen governance at all levels.
