Senate will fast-track constitution review, address Rivers crisis, says Opeyemi Bamidele

Opeyemi Bamidele, leader of the senate, says lawmakers will prioritise tackling insecurity and resolving the political crisis in Rivers state as plenary resumes on Tuesday.

In a statement on Monday, Bamidele, who represents Ekiti central, said the senate’s agenda would also focus on the consideration of the Tax Reform Bills 2024, which he described as crucial to reforming the country’s tax system and increasing national revenue.

“The reforms will support governments at all levels to fund projects and deliver the benefits of democracy to the people,” he said.

Bamidele said the Senate would work with the executive to find lasting solutions to the Rivers political crisis.

“The aim is to ensure that all stakeholders come to terms with the need to address the root causes and ensure proper reconciliation in the public interest,” he said.

The lawmaker also raised concerns over the resurgence of insecurity in Benue, Borno, Katsina, and Plateau state.

“We are committed to putting an end to all acts of terrorism across the federation,” he said, adding that the senate would intensify engagements with key security actors to develop effective mechanisms for tackling national security challenges.

Bamidele noted that the Senate would screen presidential nominees for appointments requiring its approval, including members of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC), North-West Development Commission (NWDC), South-West Development Commission (SWDC), and North Central Development Commission (NCDC).

He also disclosed that the review of the 1999 constitution (as amended) would be fast-tracked, with the constitution review committee, chaired by Barau Jibrin, the deputy senate president, leading the process.

In addition, the senate will begin reviewing the Electoral Act 2022 to improve the credibility and transparency of future elections.

“We have bills of strategic national interest pending before the Senate across various sectors of the economy. There is an urgent need to consider and pass these bills as soon as possible,” he said.

Bamidele added that special and standing committees would hold public hearings to engage with citizens and seek input in the law-making process.

On March 20, the senate approved the request of President Bola Tinubu for emergency rule in Rivers state.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s letter during Thursday’s plenary before lawmakers went into a closed-door session.