July 04, (THEWILL) — Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has expressed optimism that the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly will pave the way for a more just, united, and forward-looking federation.
Akpabio made this known on Friday while declaring open the South-South Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution, held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State. The exercise, which was part of a nationwide consultation, took place simultaneously in five geopolitical zones.
According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, the Senate President described the hearing as a crucial democratic exercise.
“Today’s event is not merely a formality. It is a democratic rite—a solemn moment in which the people, not politicians alone, speak into the soul of the nation. It is an affirmation that in a democracy, every voice counts,” Akpabio said.
He noted that the Constitution, like democracy itself, is a work in progress.
“No constitution is eternal in its original form, and no democracy is perfect, because man himself is not perfect. But it is in our collective pursuit of a more perfect union that the true beauty of democracy lies,” he added.
Akpabio said the review is not a repudiation of the past but a recommitment to the future.
“We amend not to abandon, but to realign—to adapt our national charter to the changing realities, dreams, and demands of the good people of Nigeria.”
He stressed that the Senate views every Nigerian as a stakeholder in the democratic process, and the public hearing reflects the chamber’s commitment to open dialogue and inclusive governance.
“We are here—not as party men, but as patriots. Not as political actors, but as nation-builders,” he said.
On his part, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, described the review process as a significant opportunity to restructure the nation for greater equity and efficiency.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the governor said: “The scores of constitution alteration bills across thirteen thematic areas—painstakingly curated by the Senate Committee—speak to some of the most urgent and persistent questions about the structure, efficiency, and future of our federal union.”
He added that the South-South region views the process with hope and expects it to lead to meaningful reforms.
“We look to this exercise not just with interest, but with hope—hope that this constitutional review will move us closer to a federation that works for all, protects rights, empowers communities, and unlocks the full potential of the states.”
Also speaking, Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Senator Barau Jibrin, who was represented by Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East), highlighted the critical issues under review.
“These include electoral and judicial reforms, enhanced local government administration, involvement of traditional institutions in governance, promotion of human rights, gender equity, devolution of powers, federal structure, and security reforms,” he stated.
Several interest groups presented memoranda at the hearing, covering issues such as state creation, local government autonomy, gender inclusion, and the role of traditional rulers.
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