In line with its quest for inclusive participation in governance, members of the House of Representatives committee on Review of the national constitution led by the vice chairman, Ibrahim Isiaka met with various stakeholders from Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States on Saturday.
Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu who declared the two-day event open in Lagos called on the federal government to recognize the creation of the 37 local council development areas by the state government in 2000 to allow for development at the grassroots.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Femi Hazmat stated that his administration is committed to the principle of democracy, good governance and the rule of law.
In reviewing the 1999 constitution as amended,t
The governor cautioned the legislature against micro-managing the Nigerian Constitution, a situation where creation of new local government areas by states and electoral tribunals are placed under federal laws.
He also advised that the section of the law that makes an elected officer to lose his seat if he dacamps to another political party while in power should be reviewed to allow the electorate themselves decide the fate of the decampee at the polls.
Governor Sanwoolu also called for the strengthening of various institutions to allow for accountability and good governance
He also stressed the need to reform the electoral and judicial systems, boost the involvement of women and youths in political landscape and welfare of citizens as well as the crucial discussions around state policing.
The various stakeholders from Ogun and Oyo states also made their contributions on the Constitution reform.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
