Additional States, Police, Others Top South-West Constitution Review Hearing In Lagos

Clamour for creation of more state, local governments, state police were among other issues that topped agenda on Friday at the commencement of the public hearing in the South-West region for the review of the 1999 Constitution.

Stakeholders in the region, in the well-attended public hearing called for creation of more states, local governments, state police as well as inclusion of constitutional roles for traditional rulers.

Declaring the public hearing open in Lagos on Friday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu charged the senate committee reviewing the constitution and participants to be guided by the principles of inclusiveness, equity, and justice in making inputs into the constitution amendment.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat highlighted pursuit of genuine federalism and the devolution of powers that empowers and enhances local governments among the demands.

He also advocated establishment of new states to bring governance closer to the people, reforming the electoral and judicial systems, boosting the involvement of women and youth in political landscape, security and welfare of the citizens, including the crucial discussion around state policing, inclusion of constitutional roles for traditional rulers.

The Lagos State governor maintained that the issues go beyond just constitutional concerns, saying “They strike at the heart of what it means to be Nigerian. It reflects our shared aspiration for a fairer, more equitable, and thriving nation.”

Dwelling on the need to create more local governments in the state, the governor said, “For us in Lagos State, it must be stated that we are requesting unequivocally for the listing of our 37 local government council development areas.

“They were created in 2003 about 22 years ago with the intent of delivering dividends of democracy to the grassroots. These are children that have been given birth to, they have been nurtured and they have grown. It will be unfair not to give them birth certificates.”

Earlier, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jubrin who was represented by the Senate Majority leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, disclosed that the Senate have received hundreds of memoranda addressing key issues that have not yet been resolved by the previous amendments, mainly due to lack of national consensus and the evolving dynamics of modern governance.

He said the two-day hearing was simultaneously being held across the six geopolitical zones in Enugu, Kano, Jos, Lagos, Ikot-Ekpene, and Maiduguri.

Senator Jubrin said several key issues need to be addressed which include electoral reforms and adjudication; judicial reforms focused on case management and administration and enhancements to local government administration.

Others include involvement of traditional institutions in contemporary governance, promotion of human rights, gender equity and inclusion in governance; devolution and distribution of powers; the structure of federation; and concerns relating to security and policing.

He stated that the Committee’s mandate was to foster a broad national consensus, rather than echo the voices of a powerful minority that dominate media platforms.

“This context guided the Committee as it sought memoranda and proposals from Nigerians on potential constitutional changes aimed at enhancing good governance and promoting the welfare of all individuals, rooted in the principles of freedom, equality, and justice. I am pleased to report that the Committee is delighted with your response,” Senator Jubrin said.

Speaking at the public hearing, Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in the South-West, Hon. Oladiji Olumide Adesanmi, Ondo; Hon. Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye, Ekiti; Hon. Oludaisi Olusegun Elemide, Ogun; and Hon. Adewale Olumide Egbedun Osun, commended the efforts of the committee in attending to constitution amendment requests, saying that the gathering demonstrated the commitment to deliver Nigeria that works for all.

They also pledged their resolve to diligently work on the amended constitution and pass the bills and ensure they are signed to laws, once sent to the state Assemblies.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi said the task of amending the constitution was a clarion call for all Nigerians.

He noted that traditional rulers should be given a role in the new constitution promising that they will continue to do their best for the benefits of Nigerians.

For his part, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade commended the government for seeking the input of traditional rulers in the exercise.

He also made a case for the role for traditional rulers to be included in the constitution and expressed the readiness of the traditional institution to assist the government.

The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Kabiru Shotobi recalled that two years ago, traditional rulers requested constitutional role from President Bola Tinubu.

He urged the Senate committee on review of the constitution to “take the role of traditional rulers personally. You can lobby on our behalf. The role of traditional rulers is national and we must be taken care of because we do a lot on behalf of our people. We are ready to serve the people of Nigeria.”

Ogun East Senator, Gbenga Daniel said when amended, the constitution will reflect the desire of the people, adding that the president is committed to leaving a formidable constitution.

While making a case for the creation of Ijebu State, Senator Daniel said the Ijebu axis of Ogun State is the only province of the old provinces that has not been made a state.

Abiola Afolabi who represented the civil society groups in the South-West called for inclusion of the affirmative action in the constitution for more women representation in government.