By: Edem Archibong, Calabar
Governor, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State has declared his support for the creation of new states in Nigeria including the proposed Ogoja state from the present Cross River State, the Inclusion of women and disable persons in governance and establishment of state police without reference to local government autonomy to create room for development of local government development.
Governor Otu who was speaking during South South Zonal public Hearing for the Constitution Review in Calabar last weekend describes the exercise as “timely and historic because there’s absolute need for a constitutional framework that can correspond with the evolving political, social and economic realities” in the country.
Governor Otu who was represented at the event by his able Deputy Governor, RT.Hon. Dr. Peter Odey reminded the state audience that sovereignty rest squarely with the people and therefore the review process of the 1999 Constitution as amended is reaffirmation of the social contract existing between government and the Citizens and the people must be involve with the process because “any documents that governs over two hundred million people must reflect contemporary needs and expectations” of the time.
Also speaking is the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution with the leader of Zone B Committee and Chief Whip of the House, RT. HON. Kingsley Chinda presiding assured the people that their inputs would be accurately conveyed to the National Assembly as he declared “we are your servants… we are not here to speak for you, but with you” because the committee’s zonal approach was to bring governance closer to the people.
Chief Hon. Chinda outlines 13 thematic areas which they have focus to review including electoral and judicial reforms, devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, traditional institutions, security and policing and the creation of states with local governments.
On the presentation by Stakeholders from Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states border on issues ranging from states and local government creations top the agenda, autonomy of local government, minority inclusion while Hon. Godwin Offiono, the Deputy Chairman of the Committee and Member representing Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency used the opportunity to express appreciation to the Cross River State Government for its kind hospitality. He also declared that “indeed, the warmth of the people and the level of organization has shown a proof that bringing this important national assignment to Calabar was the right decision”.
End.
