By Abba Anwar
As the Deputy Senate President, Barau I Jibrin, chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, he has been employing patriotic energy to bridge many developing gaps that stand between the document (Constitution) and citizens engagement.
This is practically done to deconstruct the beclouded understanding of our citizens, of the written rules and regulations governing our dear nation.
His effort in planning to conduct public hearings across the six geopolitical zones slated for July 4th and 5th, 2025, aimed to create corridor for gathering citizens' inputs on proposed constitutional amendments.
To my knowledge, of all the Constitution review process (s) since the return of democracy in Nigeria, from 1999, the one chairs by Senator Jibrin, is the only one that displays clear and genuine patriotic commitment to all sections of the federation, without any form of segregation, of whatever coloration.
For my readers to have an unwavering and insightful understanding of the DSP's deeply rooted concern of the nation's political economy, a look at the key issues being discussed in the Committee's deliberations will suffice to give us coherent idea of the entire process.
As the public hearing will concentrate on these issues, it makes many steps forward in straightening and strengthening our collective stay as an indivisible political entity. Where democracy works and political actors thrive.
Looking at the chemistry of Nigeria's political development recently, one can but agree with me when I say, these key issues have been in the flesh of our democracy as a thorn of devastating influence. Which must be addressed, for us to achieve proper democratic development.
From Illela to Nembe and from Badagry to Bama the Deputy Senate President has proven his mettle. As an informed, responsible and responsive legislator of substance.
Other members of the Committee, being part of the primary and critical stakeholders, understand my argument better. He is not a solo man. Neither is he aggressive in the discharge of his legislative functions. This, I eavesdrop from reliable corners. Within and outside the Red Chamber.
Have a look at these key and critical issues that attract my attention.
1. Local Government Autonomy: These are Bills proposing to grant full autonomy to local governments and establish an independent electoral body to oversee local elections. With this, state governors will have limited chance to pocket local government executives. So puppets administrations across the third tier of government under state noses, may cease to exist.
2. Judicial Reforms:
Under this there are over 20 Bills seeking to change the face of the judiciary, for good administration of justice. After being overhauled. This include providing timelines for judgment delivery and expanded jurisdiction for election tribunals.
3. State Creation:
One of the lingering unresolved political debates in the country. There are 31 proposals for new states, with requests from all the six geo-political zones.
4. Security and Policing:
The thirst for enhanced security system, especially internal security in this context, there are significant number of Bills proposing the establishment of State Police Forces and state security councils. With this, the global practice of community policing will be enhanced. While at the same time, the protection of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our dear nation, will also be enhanced.
5. Fiscal Reforms:
One of the most controversial policies under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are fiscal policies. Which different sections of the country have either near opposite or contrasting demands in our fiscal faces. Under this there are six Bills focusing on revenue allocation, budget presentation timelines, and accountability in public finance.
6. Gender Equity:
For agitators of gender equity, NOT EQUALITY as I emphasize, There is a Bill proposing additional legislative seats for women in the National and State Houses of Assembly. Which is expected to mean that, they will be up and doing, in their contribution to national development.
7. Electoral Reforms:
In an effort to promote free, fair and credible elections there are Proposals, that would be brought to citizens during the scheduled public hearing for independent candidacy and diaspora voting.
I urge, in my personal opinion as a citizen, that, the contemplating discussion around the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the next coming general elections and beyond, should constitute part of the proposal for Electoral Reform process.
As the role of Generative AI Use in 2024 elections worldwide provides us with the information that, during the year under review, 2024, fifty (50) countries held competitive national elections.
The study of these countries was "... based on the analysis of of an original data set of 215 incidents."
Our electoral process should, before making an advance move towards the direction of GenAI, be sure that constant study of the 50 countries that use AI last year, be put in place to abreast the feeling, hope, intent and discussion of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the direction of AI-based general elections.
In a study conducted by International Panel on the Information Environment, (IPIE), titled "The Role of Generative AI Use in 2024 Elections Worldwide," under Technical Paper 2025.2, it reveals that, fully four-fifths (80%) of the countries holding elections in 2024 had GenAI incidents and the vast majority (90%) of incidents involved content creation, such as audio messages, images, videos and social media posts.
Other findings according to the study, reveal that, "... almost half of the incidents have no known source (46%), a quarter were produced by political candidates and parties (25%), a fifth were produced by foreign actors (20%) and the remainder came from other sources."
And lastly, "More than two-thirds (69%) of the incidents were described as having a harmful role in the election."
It is important for our Electoral umpire and the Senate Constitution Review Committee, among other stakeholders to understand that the study sheds light on the methodology, limitations of incident database analysis and the needed techniques from cross checking observations, by way of aggregation from comparative contexts.
Knowing fully the kind of political actor the Deputy Senate President is, alongside his Committee, they are aware how GenAI technologies are shaping global political life.
As discussed with Senator Jibrin, his interest is aligned with Nigeria's development process and feats, alongside global best practices in spheres of human endeavor.
IPIE's study "... delivers the first global data-driven analysis of its kind, designed to inform policy recommendations that enhance election administration, foster trust in electoral processes and boost voter turnout."
With the debut of GenAI technologies, electoral reform in both Electoral Act and other Regulations, is not only desirable, but a necessary driving force, if Nigeria is genuinely interested in modern democracy with strengthened institutions and civilized actors and standers - by, if we like.
The key and critical issues pose for public hearing are clear focus on inclusivity and citizen engagement. Pressing issues of national interest
dealing with ineffective governance, insecurity and corruption, are specifically designed to be addressed.
While the core value and intent of the public hearings are clear demonstration of commitment to citizen engagement, for the promotion of inclusive governance for overall national development.
With the caliber of legislators on the Senate Constitution Review Committee and with the systematic plan for public hearings across the six geo-political zones, Nigerians are expecting fruitful deliberations and result oriented outcome at the end of the exercise.
To cap it all, Senator Jibrin was reported to have said, "We are up to the task. So, they (Nigerians) should expect us to have an outcome that will address the aspirations and wishes of the people of this country in terms of the kind of Constitution they want."
Abba Anwar, writes from Kano
Tuesday, June, 24th, 2025.
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