Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has called for the creation of new states, the establishment of state police, and greater inclusion of women and persons with disabilities in governance, as part of proposals to amend the country’s 1999 Constitution.
Speaking through his deputy, Peter Odey, at the South-South Zone B Public Hearing on the Constitution Review in Calabar, Governor Otu described the process as timely and historic, stressing the need for a people-driven constitution that reflects current political, economic, and social realities.
The push for a people-centered constitutional reform echoed in Calabar as Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, joined other voices in advocating for key structural changes to Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
Addressing a hall packed with lawmakers, civil society groups, traditional rulers, and citizens from across the region, the governor emphasized that sovereignty belongs to the people and urged lawmakers to center the voices of citizens in the amendment process, one that he said should reflect justice, equity, and accountability in governance.
Stakeholders from Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States seized the platform to raise concerns and recommendations on issues such as minorities representation, traditional institutions, and improved security architecture through state policing.
Chairman of the Zone B Committee and Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda, assured participants that every submission would be faithfully transmitted to the National Assembly for consideration.
He also outlined 13 thematic areas under review, ranging from electoral and judicial reform to devolution of powers, local government autonomy, and fiscal federalism.
The Constitution Review hearing in Calabar marks a significant step in Nigeria’s democratic journey, one that gives voice to the aspirations of everyday citizens and offers an opportunity to reshape the nation’s governance structure.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
