The National Assembly Adhoc Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution has accused Nigerian State Governors of frustrating the process of birthing a new constitution for the country.
The Chairman of the Review Adhoc Committee, Ovie Omo-Agege raised the alarm while briefing journalists on the present situation of 44 amendments of Review of the Constitution which is currently before the state Assemblies at the National Assembly on Tuesday
He said so far,11 States Assemblies have passed the amendment while 25 States Assembly are yet to consider the bills
submitted to them by the National Assembly.
The Conference of Speakers had in a letter to the National Assembly explained that the states that are yet to work on the amendment bill have vowed not to have anything to do with the document unless the National Assembly agreed to pass the bill on State Police and three other items.
Omo-Agege said although, the Conference of Speakers did not allude to it in its letter, the National Assembly is aware of the level of undue interference with legislative processes and the political capture of some State Houses of Assemblies by some State Governors.
He added that some State Governors have worked tirelessly to turn the Conference of Speakers and some States Assemblies into political puppets, thereby undermining the legislative institution at the state level.
Omo Agege further stated that the interference has been ramped up, especially in opposing to the bills granting financial and administrative autonomy to the local government.
He lamented that the ongoing attempt by some state governors, with support of some speakers and allies in the state Houses of Assembly , to eliminate the independence of the Assemblies should alarm all Nigerians .
Adding that the stance by the Conference of speakers should be shown for what it truly is, describing it as a total disregard for the Nigeria Constitutional system.
44 bills were transmitted to the 36 State Houses of Assemblies on 29th March 2022 for approval in line with Section 9(2) of the Constitution.
The 44 bills transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly seek to, amongst others strengthen the legislature’s authority to serve as an effective pillar of checks and balance to the executive, strengthen independent constitutional bodies, as well as address issues of revenue leakages and
unbridled administration of justice in Nigeria.
( Editor, Omor Bazuaye )
