By Mosope Kehinde
The Speaker of Oyo state House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin has called on federal legislature to ensure the Constitution review process that is about to be embarked upon reflects the yearnings of Nigerians.
Mr. Ogundoyin, who also doubles as the Chairman, Nigeria Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures emphasized the importance of ensuring that the result of Nigeria’s Constitution review meets the expectations of Nigerians.
The lawmaker made the call in Abuja at the official inauguration of the Federal Representatives Constitution Review Committee on Monday, February 26 during his goodwill message on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as Amended.
Honourable Ogundoyin however, noted that the move to review the nation’s Constitution again was a pointer to the fact that Nigeria not only found it expedient but important and necessary to amend and review some fundamental deficiencies in the law.
He explained further that it was also very important for the exercise to fully appreciate and understand the nation’s diversities and complexities to enable the outcome of the Constitution review to address salient issues, realities and challenges ordinary Nigerians face daily so that the society can be better off after the review exercise.
“It is important to appreciate and understand the true reflection of the nation’s diversities and complexities to better address the current issues, realities and challenges ordinary Nigerians face daily. We must be responsive to the yearnings of Nigerians, especially in these tough times.
“There have always been and always will be debates and calls for the review of the 1999 Constitution until we get it right. While pundits and citizens alike have called for a review of some parts and sections, some others have clamour for a holistic review of the constitution.
“I personally have always been a true Federalist. I support a system of government in which several states unite under a central authority, but in which the states are empowered to address their own challenges and navigate their own destiny.
“This latest amendments will no doubt touch on key areas such as devolution of power, national and sub-national restructuring, resource control, and most importantly issues of security.
“On this note, permit me to say that the members of the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly along with several other State Houses of Assembly consider the issue of State and Community Police a critical component of National Development.
“Security continues to be a weak area in our local domains and where is no security, there is no development. From our perspective, insecurity is the greatest challenge facing our country today.
“I commend the House Of Representatives for already considering the amendment of Section 45 of the Exclusive Legislative List of the second schedule of the constitution which places the police and other Government security agencies established by law under the control of the federal government.
“Countries like the United States of America, the United Kingdom, India, France, Algeria and South Africa are successfully practicing State Police because it enhances swift approach to insecurity and allows those who understand the environment and terrain to handle security matters in their respective States.
“I assure you that through the Conference Of Speakers Of State Legislatures of Nigeria, all State Houses of Assembly in the country will collaborate and work diligently and strategically with the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. We will also work studiously and expeditiously to ratify the documents once they are passed down to the States by the National Assembly.
“It is important that I congratulate members of the Constituion Review Committee and to recognize the task before them as important and critical.
“I wish us all success in the task of aggregating people’s voices by public hearings, public opinions, consultations and engagements which are aimed at having a review that will further help in strengthening our democratic ideals and promoting true federalism.
“As I end this goodwill message, let us know that the task before all the stakeholders is huge but with sincerity of purpose, synergy and patriotism, outstanding result in terms of reviews and amendments will be achieved.” Ogundoyin said.
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