Anambra East/West Demands New Constituency

Demand for additional federal constituency and local government autonomy dominated the Anambra East/West Constituency deliberations on the review of the 1999 constitution on Saturday.

The event, convened by the member representing the constituency, Chief Ameke Chriscato, was attended by people from all walks of life.

The people demanded for parity in the number of states in the six geopolitical zones, abolition of the state/ local government joint account and scrapping of the State Electoral Commission.

Other major amendments sought were for the elimination of the immunity clause and creation of state police.

They also rejected diaspora voting, the inclusion of the six geopolitical zones in the constitution and the amendment to the provisions of section 315(2) (a) and (d) .

The constituency was undecided on tenure of the president and governors but agreed that there should be constitutional protection for people with disability.

They rejected parliamentary system of government and role for traditional rulers in the constitution and also called for an amendment to enhance quicker dispensation of justice.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Sen. Emma Anosike, urged the people to participate actively in the session adding that it was an opportunity for the people to make an input into the Constitution.

Also speaking, Obinna Emenaka, representing Anambra West in the State House of Assembly, described the session as a great success for democracy and expressed the hope that the resolutions would be implemented.