In its bid to promote an inclusive constitutional review process, Campaign for Good Governance (CGG) recently conducted a regional consolidation and validation of Citizens’ position paper working session at the Kenema District Council Hall.
In his opening statement, CGG’s Project Officer in Kenema, Abubakarr Tailu explained that the consultation is to ensure citizens are “abreast with the laws governing [their] country.”
He pointed out that the constitutional review process is a lifetime opportunity for citizens to add their voices to the laws governing them.
The project officer also noted that in prior consultations, CGG drew “attention to various aspects of the constitution” that warrant critical scrutiny. However, he appealed to participants to give the process the seriousness it deserves so that in the future government could be held responsible for their shortfalls.
Mr. Tailu further emphasized that “the contribution you make here today is a direct contribution to the nation.”
Regional Chairman, Civil Society East, Augustine Sannoh also maintained that “this is a big opportunity for the people in the eastern region to have their voices captured into the constitution.”
He averred that “the last time the constitution was reviewed is over 20 years ago, adding, “we don’t know when our constitution would be reviewed again. Probably some of us might not be around again. That is why we need to take this process very seriously,” he advised.
Mr. Sannoh explained that CGG has done nationwide consultations so as “to capture our aspirations in the constitution.”
Nevertheless, the Regional Chairman raised concerns about information on the social media, which alleged that the CRC is going ahead with a draft even though some of the questionnaires at chiefdom level are yet to be collected.
“Some of us are worried. I’m saying this because some of us have worked at chiefdom level and if the CRC is going ahead to draft a document without collecting all the necessary information, only heaven knows whether our people’s aspiration would be captured. We don’t want this process to be as usual when elite would seat in their comfort zones and assume what is right for locals,” he explained, also urging CGG to take note of the concerns he raised.
Defense for Children International (DCI) representative, Satta Sienesie urged participants to properly scrutinize Chapter 3 of the constitution, which deals with Human Rights, noting “it is a holistic issue that affects every aspect of our lives.”
She further urged that “the clause according to customs and tradition” must be deleted giving the fact that these customs and traditions in most cases discriminate against women. Mrs. Sienesie cited the issue of Chieftaincy where women are discriminated in some regions because of the prevailing customs and traditions.
The gathering validated four thematic areas and these were: The fundamental Principles of State Policy and Human Rights; The Executive, Parliament and the Judiciary; local government chieftaincy and citizenship; financial management, natural resources, lands and environment.
Wednesday November 25, 2015
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