The National assembly has transmitted 44 bills, harmonized by both chambers of the National Assembly, during the Fifth Alteration of the 1999 Constitution to the 36 State Houses Of Assembly, for further consideration.
The Clerk of the National Assembly, Olatunde Major,
made the symbolic presentation on Tuesday at the National Assembly to 35 State Assembly clerks, who were present to receive draft copies of the bills.
The bills include the abrogation of the State Joint Local Government Account, Financial Independence of State Legislatures and Judiciary, in compliance with Legislative Autonomy, Mandatory State Of The Nation Address by the President and Governors respectively, security of Local Government Executives tenure for three (3) years, Mandatory Local Government Elections, states empowered to generate and distribute electricity, construct and own railways, airports and correctional centres, separation of the Office of the Minister of Justice and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
According to the clerk, the symbolic transmission complies with Section 9(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
He called on Civil Society Organizations and the media to raise their much-needed voice in this direction,
for issues captured in the Constitutional Alterations to see the light of the day.
The Chairperson, Forum If State Clerks, Lina Ocholor, while receiving the symbolic documents, assured that the State Houses Of Assembly will give its urgent legislative attention required, for concurrent approval.
Among the 68 bills considered, 24 failed to receive approval from either the upper or lower chamber.
They include a special seat for women in the National and State House of Assembly, a Reserved Quota for Women,
Affirmative Action for Women in Political Party Administration, Criteria for Qualification to become an Indigene of a State in Nigeria, among others.
The 5th Alteration of the 1999 Constitution by lawmakers has been a subject of controversy, especially with the rejection of gender-related bills, which has led to a series of protests by various women’s groups.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, had promised a re-visit of the rejected bills, and also lobbied their counterparts in the Senate.
However, that promise will not materialize in the 9th Senate, with the latest move by the National Assembly.
Not a few also believe that germain issues bothering the Nigerian state, especially state policing were not captured in the proposed amendment, despite calls from various quarters
According to the lawmakers, the move is a process of achieving a restructured Nigeria.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
