The Southeast Zonal Public Hearing on Constitution Review by the House of Representatives for Centre A, has wrapped up in Enugu with renewed calls for the creation of an additional state in the region to bring it at par with other zones across the country.
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah urged the National Assembly to ensure that the entire review process delivers real outcomes and does not end up as another ceremonial exercise.
The Southeast remains the only geopolitical zone in the country with just five States, while others have six or more.
That imbalance was the loudest concern raised at the public hearing which brought together delegates and participants from Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi States.
Beyond state creation, several speakers made appeals for the creation of more Local Government Areas from their various communities.
For them, the current structure no longer reflects population growth or administrative needs.
MUST READ: Tinubu appoints IBB’s son as Bank of Agriculture Chairman
Representing Governor Peter Mbah, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, called for the full institutionalization of local government administration.
He said appointing Caretaker Committees to run LGAs undermines democracy and hampers development at the grassroots.
Other major recommendations that dominated the session include judicial reforms, such as the inclusion of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanisms;
integration of the Voter Register with the National Identity Management System;
as well as a push for reserved seats for women in legislative houses and a review of the current revenue allocation formula.
(Editor: Okechukwu Eze)
