Here’s a quick rundown of the key points:
- Mass Rejection: 31 state creation proposals were rejected by the House Committee.
- Constitutional Concerns: Proposals failed to meet the requirements of Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution.
- Resubmission Deadline: Proponents have until March 5th to resubmit proposals.
- Broad Review: The committee is also reviewing 151 constitutional amendment bills.
- Public Hearings: Zonal and national public hearings are scheduled across the six geopolitical zones.
Why Were the Proposals Rejected?
According to Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House and Chairman of the Committee, the proposals, while reflecting regional aspirations, did not comply with Section 8 of the 1999 Constitution. This section outlines specific criteria that must be met for state creation, including detailed procedures and requirements.
Constitutional Hurdles: What Does Section 8 Say?
Section 8 of the Nigerian Constitution lays out a rigorous process for creating new states. This includes:
- A request supported by two-thirds of members of the National Assembly.
- Approval by a majority of members in the House of Assembly of the areas seeking to form the new state.
- A referendum approving the creation by at least two-thirds of the people in the area.
- Approval by a majority of all the states in the federation.
Failing to meet any of these requirements can lead to the rejection of a proposal, as seen in this recent mass dismissal.
The March 5th Deadline: A Race Against Time
The committee has given proponents until March 5th to resubmit their proposals, emphasizing “strict adherence” to constitutional guidelines. This deadline puts pressure on those seeking state creation to ensure their submissions are fully compliant with the legal requirements.
Broader Constitutional Review Underway
Beyond state creation, the House Committee is also reviewing 151 constitutional amendment bills covering a wide range of issues. These include:
- Federal structure and power devolution
- Local government autonomy
- Revenue allocation
- Judicial and electoral reforms
- Security
- Gender rights
- Human rights
What’s Next? Zonal and National Public Hearings
To ensure a comprehensive and inclusive review process, the committee has scheduled zonal and national public hearings across the six geopolitical zones. These hearings will provide an opportunity for citizens to voice their opinions and contribute to the constitutional amendment process.
These hearings are very important so the voices of the average nigerian are not surpressed. The goal is to ensure every nigerian feels represented.
Why State Creation Matters
The creation of new states in Nigeria is often seen as a way to address issues such as marginalization, resource control, and regional development. Proponents argue that new states can bring government closer to the people, promote economic growth, and ensure fairer representation.
Expert Insight
Political analysts suggest that the strict adherence to constitutional guidelines is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the state creation process. Any deviation could lead to legal challenges and undermine the stability of the federation.
The Bottom Line
The rejection of 31 state creation proposals by the House of Representatives Committee highlights the importance of adhering to constitutional requirements. As the March 5th deadline approaches, proponents must ensure their submissions are fully compliant to avoid further setbacks. The ongoing constitutional review and public hearings signal a broader effort to address key governance and developmental issues in Nigeria.
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