By Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu DOgara has disclosed that all those hankering for the restructuring of the country to achieve federal character and balance distribution of the nation’s commonwealth need to wait until a new Constitution becomes operational.
He made this known during the public hearing organised by the House Ad-Hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution at the NAtional Assembly, Abuja on Wednesday. He stated that restructuring could only be done through the amendment of the nation’s Constitution.
He revealed that the parliament would not constitute a stumbling block to the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians for genuine changes in the constitution, Dogara assured that when completed, the new set of laws would address the various agitations in all parts of the country.
Dogara also assured that the various recommendations calling for judicial reforms were geared towards reducing the time for litigation in courts and that efforts should be made to adopt and reflect them in the final amendments.
The Speaker urged stakeholders to also ensure that the purpose of entrenching the NIC as a superior court of record with exclusive jurisdiction on labour related matters is not defeated so that the country doesn’t return to the days of uncertainty on labour matters.
House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila assured that at the end of the consideration of the review exercise, the committee would forward aspects of amendment that would have been approved to the House for further legislative action.
