Lawmaker

A total of 35 lawmakers in the House of Representatives have commenced advocacy for significant alterations to the 1999 Constitution.

The lawmakers are aiming to establish the rotation of the Presidency among Nigeria’s six geo-political zones and introduce a single six-year term for the President and Governors.

Speaking on behalf of the group in Abuja, Ikenga Ugochinyere, the member representing Ideato South/Ideato North Federal Constituency in Imo State, stated, “The reduction in government spending and wastage, efficiency in governance, and national stability by providing a single term of six years for the President and Governors will go a long way in cost-cutting measures.”

According to them, the proposed constitutional changes will enhance political stability and governance efficiency.

By rotating the Presidency among the six geo-political zones, the lawmakers say they aim to promote national unity and ensure a fair representation of all regions in the country’s highest office.

They further stated that the single six-year term for Presidents and Governors is intended to reduce the financial and political costs associated with frequent election cycles and transitions.

“This measure is expected to allow elected leaders to focus on long-term developmental projects without the distractions of re-election campaigns,” Ugochinyere stated.

Ugochinyere added that the proposal is currently under discussion within the legislative framework, and further updates on its progress and potential implications are anticipated.

Oluwole Oke, the lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, Osun State, is proposing a bill seeking the creation of three additional states in the South-West region.

The bill, which has been listed for presentation in the House of Representatives, is seeking the creation of Oke-Ogun, Ijebu and Ife-Ijesa states.

The proposed legislation is titled “A Bill for an Act to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended)”

It seeks an amendment to the First Schedule, Part I of the Constitution to read, “The First Schedule, Part I of the Constitution is amended by introducing new states and reducing the number of local government areas.”

In the draft bill, Oke-Ogun State with Iseyin as the proposed capital city would be made up of 12 local government areas, including Olorunsogo, Irepo, Oorerelope, Ogbomosho North, Ogbomosho South, Saki-East, Saki-West, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola and Iseyin.

On the other hand, Ijebu State, when created, will comprise Ijebu East, Ijebu North-East, Ijebu Ode, Ikenne, Odogbolu, Ogun Waterside, Remo North and Sagamu LGAs. The proposed capital city for Ijebu State is Ijebu Ode.

According to Oke, who chairs the House Committee on Judiciary, Ife Ijesa State is to be made of 11 LGAs made up of Atakunmosa East, Atakunmosa West, Boluwaduro, Ife Central, Ife East, Ife North, Ife South, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, Oboku and Oriade.

In a letter dated February 6, 2024, and addressed to the Clerk of the House, Oke wrote: “I wish to forward the abovementioned bill to your office for further necessary legislative action to enable me to move same in our great Green Chamber, sir.”

The South-West geo-political zone is currently made up of six federating states, which are Ondo, Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Ekiti states.

If Oke’s bill scales legislative hurdles, the region would surpass the North-West, which currently has seven states, the highest among the other zones of North-Central, North-East, South-West, South-South-South and South-East.

Akin Rotimi, spokesperson for Nigeria’s House of Representatives, broke down in tears on Tuesday while presenting a motion on the brutal killings of two monarchs in Ekiti State.

This incident comes amidst heightened concerns over worsening insecurity across the country since President Tinubu took over power in May 2023.

Mr. Rotimi, who represents Oye/Ikole Federal Constituency, choked back sobs as he detailed the Monday murders of the Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti, Oba Olatunji Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola. He condemned the “dastardly attack” in Oke-Ako, Ikole Local Government Area, which also left several others critically injured.

In the motion, he called for a security intervention to stem the tide of criminality ravaging Ekiti State.

He said there has been an increase in criminal activities in Ekiti North 1 (Ikole/Oye) Federal Constituency in recent times, resulting in the lost lives and properties.

Mr Rotimi informed his colleagues that the two monarchs were murdered by yet-to-be-identified criminals.

“On Monday, January 29, 2024, these criminals carried out a dastardly attack in the Oke-Ako area in Ikole Local Government Area resulting in the death of two traditional rulers: the Onimojo of Imojo Ekiti Oba Olatunji Samuel Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun Ekiti Oba David Babatunde Ogunsola and leaving a host of others with life-threatening injuries,” he said.

In response, the House passed a resolution demanding immediate action. They urged the deployment of soldiers to bolster security and apprehend the perpetrators. The resolution also called for increased police presence, improved road infrastructure, and the swift rescue of kidnapped schoolchildren and teachers.