The Coalition of Funtua Community-based Organisations has called for sweeping constitutional reforms, including creating a new Karadua State, full local government autonomy, recognition of traditional institutions and establishing state police.
In a position paper submitted to the High-powered Committee on Constitutional Review, the coalition, comprising civil society actors, development advocates, and local leaders in Funtua senatorial zone, said the current 1999 Constitution no longer serves the needs of Nigeria’s diverse and rapidly evolving society.
At the core of their demands is the abolition of the controversial state-local government joint account, which they described as a major obstacle to development and transparency.
They insisted that local governments receive funds directly from the federation account and operate with full administrative and financial independence.
According to the coalition, this will accelerate grassroots development, create jobs, and enhance the government’s visibility at the community level.
The coalition also called for traditional rulers to be given constitutional roles, particularly in local security, agriculture, and social services.
They argued that traditional institutions remain the most trusted and stable structures in many rural communities and should play a formal role in conflict resolution and intelligence gathering.
They proposed that traditional leaders must be consulted on all land-related matters to prevent disputes and uphold communal peace.
Rising insecurity also took centre stage in the coalition’s proposals. The coalition strongly backed the creation of state police under the control of state governments, citing the failure of Nigeria’s centralised policing system to address growing security threats.
The group’s secretary, Engr Tukur Lawal, who made a presentation on behalf of the group, advocated for a clear legal framework to govern the operations, boundaries, and cooperation mechanisms between federal and state police forces.
He officially demanded the creation of Karadua State from the current Katsina South senatorial zone, commonly called the Funtua Zone. He added that the proposed state would include eleven local government areas: Funtua, Bakori, Malumfashi, Kafur, Danja, Kankara, Sabuwa, Dandume, Faskari, Musawa, and Matazu.
The group said this would correct decades of political and developmental marginalisation and allow for equitable distribution of resources and infrastructure.
They also proposed the creation of additional local governments to reflect population growth and administrative needs.
The coalition praised the federal government for initiating the constitutional reform process and urged the review committee to consider their proposals as a genuine reflection of grassroots aspirations.
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