Constitution Amendment: Power devolution, LG autonomy, electoral reform, state creation top agenda

By Tunde Opalana

Burning national issues of power devolution, local government autonomy, reformation of the electoral process, and state creation have been listed in the 13 point agenda proposed by the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, according to Daily Times findings.

To commence the process of further alteration to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Committee headed by Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo – Agege has formally called for a memorandum from Nigerians.

Matters listed to be considered for amendment are; Gender Equality for women and girls, Federal Structure and Power Devolution, Local Government/Local Government Autonomy and Public Revenue, Fiscal Federation, and Revenue Allocation.

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Others are; Nigerian Police and Nigerian security architecture, comprehensive Judicial Reforms, Electoral Reforms to strengthen INEC to deliver transparently credible free and fair elections, and Socio-economic and cultural rights as contained in Chapter 2 of the constitution.

To complete the agenda are; strengthening the independence of oversight institutions and agencies created by the constitution or pursuant to an act of the National Assembly, Residency and Indigene provisions, Immunity, the National Assembly, and State creation.

These agendas were considered by the committee as capable of promoting good governance and the welfare of all persons in the country on the principles of freedom, equality, and justice.

The committee has therefore requested the general public, executive and judicial bodies, Civil Society Organizations, Professional Bodies, and other interest groups to submit memoranda or proposals which are to be submitted not later than 14 days.