The zonal public hearing on the 1999 constitution review has been inaugurated in Birnin Kebbi the capital of Kebbi state.
The programme which was held at the presidential lodge had in attendance the host Senator Atiku Bagudu, Sultan of Sokoto, emir of Gwandu, Argungu and Zuru.
Earlier in his speech, the Sultan of Sokoto his eminence Sa’ad Abubakar the second said a role in the constitution is critical to nation building peace, progress and security adding that, traditional rulers over the years are custodian of peace as they can identify easily visitors with bad intention.
The monarch further said that every citizen of the country must be allowed to practice his religion without interferance or hinderance.
“Muslim women must be allowed to wear their hijabs and Christians too must be allowed to wear their religious symbols”, he said.
He called on Nigerians to speak truth to power and hold their leaders accountable for their actions and inactions.
In his address, Governor of Kebbi, Senator Atiku Bagudu told the gathering that, he supports any amendment that will guarantee security to lives and property of citizens as they are being guided by the traditional rulers.
Bagudu added that, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara are blessed with natural resources but they remained untapped due to insecurity.
He stated that, three states are opposed to separatist but believed in one Nigeria.
Emir of Gummi who spoke on behalf of northern traditional rulers council (NTC) Justice Gummi corroborated what the Sultan said stating a role for the traditional rulers in the constitution review.
He recalls the time of native authority (NA) when traditional rulers are in charge of conflict resolution and other vital community issues.
He decried the prevalence of insecurity in northern Nigeria which he attributed to the neglect of traditional rulers whom he said have been relegated to the background.
The Kebbi state, NLC chairman in his submission said, the union maintains it’s stand of minimum wage to remain in the exclusive list and urge the committee to ensure autonomy to the judiciary, legislators and local government.
