Buni-led committee proposes amendment to APC Constitution
IBRAHEEM MUHAMMAD
The All Progressives Congress, ( APC ) Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) chaired by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has served a notice of proposed amendments to the Party’s Constitution concerning membership of the National Convention.
This was contained in a statement signed by the National Secretary of the CECPC, Senator John James Akpanudodehe.
Buni is proposing that, that “among key amendments, national advisory council replaces Board of Trustees and will create zonal congress.”
” In accordance with Article 30 (iii) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Constitution, the Governor Mai Mala Buni-chaired Committee has served a notice of proposed amendments to the Party’s Constitution on members of the National Convention.
” Article 30 (iii) stipulates that the notice is served at least fourteen (14) days before the date of the National Convention at which the proposed amendments is to be considered,” he added.
According to him, the APC Constitution (2014) has been in effect for almost eight years and together with judgments from courts of competent jurisdiction, administrative experiences have revealed flaws in the Constitution.
He said it thus became imperative to conduct a review of the party’s Constitution.
He added that the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee had established a Constitution Review Committee under the chairmanship of Prof. Tahir Mamman (SAN) to thoroughly review the Constitution in accordance with Article 30, which provides for constitutional amendments.
Akpanudodehe said that the Committee adopted an all-inclusive approach which led to the draft proposals, which include: Clarify ambiguities in the Constitution. Fill gaps that became apparent. Recognise and expand platforms for participation of critical groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Replace the Board of Trustees (BoT) under a new title called National Advisory Council with streamlined memberships and clear powers and functions.
Others are: Create zonal congresses. Clarify powers of National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC). Clearer accountability by organs of the party. New organs for the efficient administration of the party. Fair distribution of income between national and sub-national organs. Clarify disciplinary procedures and powers, etc.