President Muhammadu Buhari says he has taken cognizance of the agitations, in some sections of the country, for changes in the structure of the country but insists such changes must happen via constitutional amendments carried out by the National Assembly.
Mr President made his position known in his Democracy Day broadcast to the nation on Saturday.
He has said that his administration is not against the ongoing agitations for constitutional reforms, but due process must be followed in achieving such goals.
According to him, the primary responsibility for constitutional amendments lies with the National Assembly (NASS).
He, however, expressed the readiness of his administration to play a critical role in the constitutional amendment process without usurping the powers of the NASS.
He said: “In responding to the challenges that this period imposes on us, the government also recognises the need to acknowledge notions of marginalisation and agitations for constitutional amendments among various segments of our population.
While this government is not averse to constitutional reform as part of our nation building process, everyone must understand that the primary responsibility for constitutional amendments lies with the National Assembly.
This body which, as I said, is the arm of government responsible for constitutional changes has concluded the preliminary stages of amending and improving our constitution in a way that the majority of Nigerians will be happy with.
Government is, however, willing to play a critical role in the constitutional amendment process without usurping the powers of the National Assembly in this regard,” Mr Buhari said.
