A Kogi-based civil society group, the Renaissance Care and Empowerment Foundation (RECEF), has called on the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, and members of the 8th Assembly to throw open the consideration of the ongoing constitutional amendment proposals to the public. It warned against any process that could create the impression of a hurried or predetermined outcome.
In a press statement issued on Friday and signed by its Executive Director, Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina, the organisation said constitutional amendment was “too important to be handled quietly or hurriedly.”
RECEF recalled that the National Assembly announced in September 2026 that a constitutional alteration bill had been transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assembly. It noted that the National Assembly later clarified that the bill relates specifically to the establishment of State Police Services, with other alteration bills expected to follow once the required legislative processes are completed.
According to the group, this makes it important for the Kogi Assembly to set a strong democratic standard from the outset.
Citing Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which affirms that sovereignty belongs to the people and that citizens’ participation in government should be ensured, RECEF said lawmakers have a duty to listen to the people they represent before taking decisions of such magnitude. It also pointed to Section 9, which requires the approval of not less than two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly for relevant constitutional alterations, underscoring the weight of the role state legislatures play in the process.
The foundation urged every member of the Kogi Assembly to return to their constituencies and seek the views of their people. It also asked the House to organise a major, well-publicised public hearing or stakeholders’ town hall meeting. Those it wants involved include civil society organisations, professional associations, traditional and religious leaders, women and youth groups, organisations of persons with disabilities, academics, security experts, community leaders and the media.
RECEF stressed that citizens should be given adequate information about the proposals, sufficient notice to participate, and the opportunity to submit memoranda before the House takes any final decision. It clarified that public consultation does not diminish the constitutional authority of legislators to vote, but helps them make informed decisions that reflect the interests and concerns of their constituents.
The group also took aim at what it described as possible undue pressure on the legislature. It said the House must protect its independence, insisting that decisions on constitutional amendments should reflect the judgment of elected representatives after listening to their constituents, “rather than pressure from the Executive, political interests or any other considerations.” While acknowledging that healthy cooperation between the Executive and the Legislature is important, RECEF said such cooperation should never weaken the independence and representative responsibility of the House.
Speaking as a member of the Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET), the organisation reminded the Assembly that Kogi civil society has already contributed to the constitutional review process. It recalled that on 2 April 2024, KONGONET convened a stakeholders’ town hall meeting in Lokoja in response to the National Assembly’s call for memoranda. The meeting, it said, brought stakeholders together to discuss reforms and identify areas of importance to Kogites, and its outcomes informed submissions made to the National Assembly.
RECEF said the civic space therefore holds valuable, documented views that the state-level process should take into account, adding that civil society organisations should be treated as partners in democratic governance and not as opponents.
The foundation made clear that it was not directing lawmakers on how to vote on the State Police amendment or any other bill that may follow. “Our concern is the integrity and openness of the process,” it said.
It then urged the 8th Assembly to publish a clear timetable for considering the proposals, allow citizens and organisations to submit memoranda and recommendations, and encourage members to consult their respective constituencies. It also asked the House to hold an inclusive state-level public hearing or town hall meeting, engage civil society and other key stakeholders, make its eventual decisions and resolutions available to the public, and protect the legislature from undue influence.
Warning that history would judge the lawmakers, RECEF said, “Posterity will not only remember how members voted. It will also remember whether Kogites were given a genuine opportunity to participate before such important decisions were taken.”
The group called on the Speaker and all members to open the doors of the People’s House, listen to citizens, and ensure that Kogi State’s position emerges from an informed, transparent and democratic process.
“The Constitution belongs to the people. Their voices must count whenever it is amended,” the statement said.
