Following the ongoing constitutional review, the Southeast geopolitical zone has called for a constitution that gives room for rotation of the presidency. And one that grants full autonomy to Local Governments in the country.
The zone made the call at the South-East Zonal Public Hearing on Review of the 1999 Constitution, organized by the Senate on Friday in Enugu, Enough State.
Speaking during the exercise, the Enough State Governor, Peter Mbah noted that the concept of a rotational presidency was paramount to the Southeast.
According to the Governor, the Enough State believed that adopting a rotational presidency among the six geopolitical zones would provide every region, including the Southeast, a fair chance at the nation’s highest office.
Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, added that the idea would foster a greater sense of belonging and national unity.
The Governor added that, the governorship positions should rotate among senatorial zones in the States. While the legislative seats should be allocated among constituencies. A situation, he said would ensure broader representation and participation at all levels of governance in the country.
He said, “To further enhance inclusivity, particularly for women, we propose legislative seats. We advocate for one additional Senate seat per State for women. And two additional House of Representatives seats per State.
“As a State, we advocate for three additional assembly seats per State for women.
“This measure will significantly boost gender parity and ensure active participation of women in governance and in decision-making processes.”
Mbah also called for the institutionalization of Local Government Councils as a truly autonomous form of government team.
According to him, the current practice where State Governors seize funds meant for Local Governments and appoint Caretaker Committees instead of elected representatives and hinder grassroots development is not healthy.
“We urge the committee to reinforce section1999 Constitution to ensure the democratic existence of Local Governments. By allowing them to directly access their funds from the national consolidated account,” Mbah said.
The Governor equally called for legislative powers, enhancements, and fiscal reforms that would devolve more powers and resources to the States.
Mbah also emphasized that the current concentration of power at the centre, a legacy of the military rule, had stifled the growth and development of sub-national entities.
He said, “A true federal system requires that states are autonomous entities with sufficient powers and resources to positively impact the lives of their citizens.”
On his part, the Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru called for the creation of an additional state in the Southeast. This, he said, will bring the zone apar with other geopolitical zones of the country.
Nwifuru, represented by the Speaker, Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Moses Odunwa, also called for women’s inclusiveness. Just as he called for reserved political seats for women.
He said, “If a particular seat has been designated for women, all the parties will feature women candidates to fill in the space.”
The public hearing was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, NGOs, and civil society organizations, among others.