More than 100 amendments have been proposed to the constitution, but one in particular stands out.

That is the question of how many terms the president and state governors are allowed to serve in office. At the moment, the number is two.

President Olusegun Obasanjo is in his second term with elections approaching next year.

Significant change

Mr Obasanjo has yet to clearly state his intentions for a third term, but this issue is increasing political tensions in the country, tensions that can be exploited.

Over the past few days, there has been an anti-third term riot, sectarian clashes in three Nigerian towns, and renewed militant attacks on the oil industry in the Niger Delta.

The reform hearings are billed as a chance for the public to give its view on Nigeria's political future.

Critics say it is all a sham, open for political manipulation. They question just who is going to be allowed to attend and who will speak.

In the end, it is the national and state assemblies who will decide if there are any changes to the constitution.

But at least the public hearings will give an idea of just how significant the changes could be.