Niger state Government has assured of its readiness to support the enactment that promote justice, strengthen federalism and safeguards the rights and dignity of every Nigerian.
Similarly, it is ready to play it’s constitutional role with patriotism, integrity and foresight in ensuring the success of the review of constitution of Nigeria, nineteen ninety nine as amended
State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago gave the assurance in his goodwill message at the opening of North Central Zone, Centre A Public Hearing, by the House Of Representatives Committee on the review of nineteen ninety nine constitution held in Minna, Niger state.
Represented by the Speaker Niger state House of Assembly, Barrister Abdulmalik Sarkin_daji, Governor Bago, explained that this efforts by the House Of Representatives must be applauded as a symbol of legislative responsiveness, and demonstration of the will to improve the foundation of our democratic Federation.
Presenting the Niger state Government position paper on behalf of the state Government, State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barrister Nasiru Muazu, said the state strongly support devaluation of powers, creation of state police, Local Government autonomy and the creation of additional Local Government Areas among others, while assuring of full support to succeed.
Kogi state Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who presented their request through the state Commissioner of Justice Barrister Muzi Yunus Abdullahi, said what they needed at the end of the public hearing is to have a people oriented constitution that will be owned by Nigerians for the good of all, where all confusions in the Constitution are removed.
Engineer Adebayo Daramola from Kwara state in his submission called for the creation of Ifesuwakpo state from present Kwara state to enable them have a sense of belonging considering large number of people in that area and it’s economic viability that would in the long run enhance speedy development of the state of created.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman Niger state Council of Traditional Rulers, Alh Yahaya Abubakar who represented first class traditional rulers of three states of Niger, Kwara and Kogi explained that their track record of ensuring justice, equity and fairness in Safeguarding the traditional and culture of its people could only be enhanced if a specific role is assign to them constitutionally, because there is a broken link between Government and the governed which must be rectify to thrive.
Former Niger state Deputy Governor Ahmed Musa Ibeto also presented a Memorandum for the creation of Kainji state from Niger and Kebbi state with its headquarters in Kontagora that comprises of six point seven million people and over one hundred and forty seven thousand square kilometer of erable land.
On his part Alh Yusuf Sani Yabagi from Niger state presented a memo for the creation of Edu state, with headquarters in Bida which will consist of over two million people, stressing that since the creation of Niger state in nineteen seventy six, it has not been divided, and called for equity and fairness in the creation of new states.
Deputy Speaker and Chairman House Committee on Constitution Review, Benjamin Kalu chaired the proceedings, while the Chairman Centre A and Deputy Majority Leader Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims, assured of readiness of members of the committee to discharge their constitutional mandate professionally in line with laid down rules and regulations that would give Nigerians what they desired.
There were forty six request for the creation of states and the creation of one hundred and seventeen additional Local Government Councils in the country.
END ALIYU LAWAL.
