'Public views left out in proposed Constitution'

Many views aired by the public have been left out in the proposed Constitution, former Constitutional Review Commission Chairman, Retired Judge Joseph Warioba said yesterday.


He was speaking at the repeated symposium on the proposed new Constitution which was disrupted earlier this month.

Addressing the attendants, former Constitutional Review Commission Chairman, Retired Judge Joseph Warioba said the people’s views must be respected and according to him in the proposed Constitution, ‘many views aired by the public have been left out.

Warioba underscored that a good Constitution is the foundation on which the country can strengthen peace and harmony.

 “The Constitution should also unite the people in all national matters not to cause disunite,” he stressed.

 “We should continue educating the public on the proposed Constitution,” he urged.

Warioba finally advised leaders to ‘rethink how to better the country and not put personal and political interests ahead of national agendas that benefit the citizens.’

Early this month unidentified assailants disrupted the first symposium on the proposed new Constitution and physically attacked Warioba as he made his presentation.

Also assaulted at the debate was a British Broadcasting Corporation Correspondent, Arnold kayanda, who sustained a severe head injury from the hurled objects.

Disruption began as the renowned and respected retired judge was addressing the attendants only to have a group of youth start shouting derogatory remarks and hurling among other things, chairs.

Police arrived on scene and arrested at least one person believed to be involved in the attack, they also shot teargas canisters to disperse the crowds.

Several media outlets covering the event including the Independent Television (ITV) were forced to disrupt the live broadcast but resumed shortly afterwards.

This time, the symposium, was held under tight security with police officers on alert and patrolling the area. Attendants were also required to go through security scanners, metal detectors and avail identity cards.

There were no reported incidences at the event.