The Conference of Speakers of Nigerian State Legislatures has insisted on restructuring of Nigeria, devolution of power, community and state police in the ongoing amendment of the 1999 Constitution, as the national assembly placed elimination of joint account and local government autonomy on the agenda.
Chairman of the Conference, Abubakar Suleiman who is also the Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly, in his remarks at a retreat, urged the National Assembly to carry the presidency and governors along for the proposals to scale through.
Suleiman stated this on Friday in Abuja at a retreat of the Joint Senate/House of Representatives Ad hoc Committees on the Review of the 1999 Constitution with Speakers of State Assemblies and state Clerks in attendance.
He said with the challenges of insecurity, it was important for the legislature to address many agitating issues such as restructuring, devolution of powers, community and state police.
Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege confirmed that the retreat provided an auspicious opportunity to interface with state legislatures as distinct and critical partners in the constitution alteration process.
Deputy Speaker, Idris Wase, who is also the Chairman House Committee on 1999 Constitution Review, said during the first batch of the review exercise, the Committee in the House of Representatives considered 62 bills out of which 26 bills were recommended for harmonisation with the Senate.
The proposed amendments in the bills set out institutional and legal reforms, which together with sufficient political will, would help to strengthen institutions of governance and provide for accountability and transparency in governance.
Nneka Ukachukwu
