By Innocent Onyeukwu
Owerri Federal Constituency Rejects State Police, Diaspora Voting, others
.Wants Single Tenure, abolition of State And LG Joint Account.
It was a stormy session and a lively debate for constituents of Owerri Federal Constituency who gathered at Rosary Arts Theatre, Owerri, Saturday, 10th November, 2012, to make inputs in ongoing process by the National Assembly to review the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Hosted by the Member representing the Constituency made up of Owerri North LGA, Owerri Municipality, Owerri West LGA, in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ezenwa Onyewuchi, stakeholders, sought for an amendment to ambiguities contained in the Constitution believed to be militating against the creation of more States.
They demanded for the creation of two additional States in the region, as a basis to bring the number of States in the region at par with other geo political zones with the proviso that the region should benefit from more States whenever there is such exercise.
They approved a single tenure of five years for public office holders, a 10 year residency with all rights and privileges to non indigenes residing in an area.
Issues such as State police, and zoning of political offices attracted heated and contentious debate, though it was unanimously resolved that State and Joint Local Government accounts be scrapped. This they contend will enable the Local Governments to have direct access to Federal funds.
The political structure of the Federation also attracted heated argument with the Former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Barr Nnaemeka Maduagwu, canvassing for stronger regional governments in place of creating additional States.
He was overruled as stakeholders sought for the recognition of geo political zones in the Constitution.
The event which attracted politicians, traditional rulers, public policy analysts, representatives of several professional bodies, called for the retention of a bicameral legislature, while it strongly opposed the inclusion of Railway and Prisons in the concurrent list.
They rejected Diaspora Voting; on the basis that it is not yet ripe for Nigeria’s fledgling democracy. The rotation of public offices was adopted, while it strongly backed the introduction of Independent candidates in elections.
They advocated the conduct of all elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while it suggested that the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Commission should cease to work under the presidency, but with the National Assembly.
It recommended financial autonomy for the National and State Houses of Assemblies, while it strongly opposed the inclusion of traditional rulers as members of the National Council of States.
They canvassed that the office of the Attorney General and Minster of Justice be separated and made independent of Mr.President.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the event, the member representing Owerri Federal Constituency, Hon Ezenwa Onyewuchi described the exercise as fulfilling and a reflection of the peoples desire to have a perfect Constitution.
