“I’m Ready to Do Whatever President Tinubu Asks” — Deputy Senate President Barau …announces dates for Constitution Review Hearings

By Iyojo Ameh

Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, has reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a “political father” and vowing to carry out any directive given to him by the President.

Barau made this declaration on Wednesday while addressing journalists covering the National Assembly, during a briefing on the forthcoming Constitution Review Town Hall Meetings across the country.

“I am ready to do anything Mr. President tells me to do. He is my political father,” Barau said, describing President Tinubu as a magnanimous leader who has consistently stepped in to help others. Recalling his own political challenges in Kano State, Barau said, “The President saved me when I was in murky political waters.”

According to the Deputy Senate President, Tinubu’s success is collective. “When the President succeeds, we all succeed. That is what true progressives do,” he added.

Barau also provided comprehensive details about the Senate’s planned Constitution review process, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and public participation.

“As part of our constitutional responsibilities, we are undertaking a review of the 1999 Constitution to ensure that any necessary amendments are made for the peace, unity, and progress of Nigeria,” he said.

He disclosed that the Senate Committee on Constitution Review has received a large number of memoranda and bills from Nigerians and civil society groups, which are being processed for consideration. However, he noted that not all Nigerians have the means to travel to Abuja to make submissions, hence the decision to hold zonal public hearings.

“These town hall meetings are being organized to give ordinary Nigerians the opportunity to voice their concerns and recommendations directly. This is the essence of democracy,” Barau stated.

The public hearings will hold across the six geopolitical zones on July 4th and 5th, 2025, with Senate leadership coordinating the process in each zone:

South-South – To be chaired by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

South-West – Lagos, to be chaired by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele.

South-East – Enugu, to be chaired by the highest-ranking senator from the zone.

North-Central – Jos, Plateau State, to be chaired by Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru.

North-West – Kano, to be chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau himself.

North-East – Maiduguri, Borno State, to be chaired by Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno.

Barau emphasized that the hearings are open to all Nigerians regardless of profession or social status, including professionals, academics, and grassroots participants.

“We currently have about 59 proposed bills, including proposals for the creation of new states. But the scope is not limited to these; the hearings are open-ended to accommodate fresh ideas and demands from citizens,” he noted.

Barau appealed to the media to actively support the process by publicizing the events and encouraging citizen participation.

“The media plays a critical role in ensuring that Nigerians are aware of these opportunities to shape the Constitution. We need your help to get this message across,” he said.

He commended the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Review of the Constitution for initiating the press briefing and expressed confidence in the success of the hearings.