Lawmaker, Bisong, Holds Colloquium on Lawmaking, Democracy, Decries Nigerians’ Poor Knowledge of Constitutional Provisions
By Judex OKORO
Member representing Boki II state constituency, Hon. Hilary Bisong, has decried the poor knowledge of Nigerian constitution, saying democracy can only thrive if our citizens are abreast of provisions of the grand norm which guide our daily governance.
Bisong, a three-term lawmaker and the Chief Whip, representing Boki II State Constituency, stated this at a special colloquium organised in his honour to mark his ten years of legislative service in the Cross River State House of Assembly and held at Hogis Royale Tuesday, June 10, 2025 in Calabar.
The colloquium, which was themed “Lawmaking and Constitutional Democracy: The Nigerian Experience’ with key note addresses delivered by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and the minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Owan Enoh, examined the relationship between lawmaking, constitutional development, and the consolidation of democratic institutions in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Bisong said “This special colloquium is in celebration of my ten (10) years of service as a legislator in the Cross River State House of Assembly, where I currently serve as Chief Whip and represent the Boki II State Constituency.
“Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of sponsoring landmark legislation that has impacted lives and reinforced my commitment to the principles of lawmaking and public service.
“This colloquium will explore the essential connection between legislative practice, constitutional development, and the strengthening of democratic institutions in Nigeria. It has brought together legislators, policy experts, scholars, and civic leaders in dialogue on how effective legislation can foster good governance and deepen public trust.
“It is a significant moment of reflection, knowledge-sharing, and policy discourse as the state and the nation continue their journey toward a more inclusive, accountable, and robust democratic system. But is important to point out here that my experience has shown that the constitution is the single instrument that ushered in this democracy, yet most people don't know its contents and this practice should change, Bisong stated. He called on Nigerians to rise up to the occasion and get themselves acquainted with the provisions of the constitutions and its modus operandi.
Notable dignitaries present at the maiden colloquium include the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, the University of Calabar Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Tony Eyang, \`Rt. Hon. Onofiok Luke, Prof. Pauline Ekuri, Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa, Rt. Hon. John Gaul Lebo, Rt. Joseph Bassey and some political stalwarts.
