‘Constitution ReviewTo Guarantee Unity In Diversity’

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, said last Saturday that the grassroots debate on the constitution review would guarantee the country’s unity in diversity.

Speaking at the public hearing on the review in his Ngor-Okpala/Aboh Mbaise Federal Constituency, Ihedioha said the transparency of the exercise was for the people to participate and be convinced that they took part in the working document.

The session, chaired by Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN), agreed that the section of the constitution which allowed for a joint account between the states and local governments be amended with allocations paid directly to the councils.

The constituents also resolved that a financial autonomy be granted state Houses of Assembly, they also resolved that the constitution recognise the six geo-political zones for administrative purposes and not to create regional governments.

Meanwhile, the public hearing for Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency in Abia almost turned sour when traditional rulers attempted to storm out of the venue, less than 30 minutes into the event.

Problem started when members of the public through voice votes objected to the inclusion of royal fathers as members of the National Council of States.

It took persistent appeals by Rep. Eziuche Ubani, the member representing the constituency, and Chief Acho Nwakama, a former deputy governor of Abia State and chairman of the event, to calm the angry traditional rulers.

Igwe Eberechi  Dike,  the co-deputy chairman of the Abia traditional rulers’ council, told newsmen after the event that the organisers should be blamed for ‘renting touts for the constitutional amendment’.

In Aba, Abia, the Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency gave kudos to the House of Representatives for the review of the constitution, the constituents endorsed the removal of immunity clause for the president, governors and deputy governors.