The Abia State Government has called on the National Assembly to put in place measures for the commencement of the process of restructuring the nation which will involve amendment of the constitution to devolve powers to the States with respect to Security arrangements.
The Governor, Dr Okezie lkpeazu who made the call while presenting Abia State’s position during the South East Zonal Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Special Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria held at the Sam Mbakwe Hall of the Concorde Hotel, Owerri, Imo State further called for the review of revenue allocation formula in favour of the sub- national Govts, appointment into Federal Agencies to reflect Federal character.
Dr lkpeazu represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu urged the National Assembly to urgently amend the constitution and establish a Federal, State and Local Govts Police as it is certain that the various State Assembly Members conclude their role in the process of altering the constitution.
The Governor further made a case for the giving of constitutional roles to Traditional Rulers who according to him are closer to the people to enable them perform better for the enhancement of good governance, rapid socio-economic development and provision of peace and security at the rural communities and welcome this effort to review the Constitution.
Earlier in his address while declaring the Public Hearing open, the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma who opined that they want a constitution that embraces fairness, equity and justice, equality for all called for the creation of an additional State for the South East Zone to address the imbalance in the Zone and enjoined all to take advantage of the Public Hearing to showcase their grievances.
In his opening remarks, the Deputy Speaker and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, Ahmed Idris Wase said they are challenged by the call and yearnings of Nigerians to alter the Constitution to meet the expectations of the people and promised that they will do everything possible to ensure that every segment of Nigeria are adequately represented.
The Public Hearing which featured a goodwill message from the Chairman, South East, (Owerri Centre) House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review Public Hearing, Mr Abubakar Hassan attracted the presence of the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku, Federal and State legislators, the leader of Aba Union delegates and pioneer Attorney General of Abia State, Chief Theo Nkire, top Government Officials, the Clergy, Traditional Rulers, the Organised Labour Unions, Non Governmental Organizations and Civil Societies among others.
Charles wrote from Deputy Gov’s Office