Imo Adopts Creation Of New State, Single Tenure

A forum of Imo people  has adopted the creation of a new state from parts of Imo and Anambra with each surrendering a senatorial zone.

The people took the stand at the end of the Constitution Review at Owerri under the chairmanship of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and added that Ohaji/Egbema and Agwa clan in Oguta be retained in Imo.

They also agreed that the resolutions be acceptable and binding on all the National Assembly members from Imo East Senatorial District.

The forum also adopted a single tenure of five years for the president and state governors but said if the president was incapacitated, the vice- president should act for 90 days during which an election must be conducted.

The forum suggested that the newly elected president must come from the same zone as the incapacitated one.

The forum said to ensure authentic security of lives and property in the country, the current unitary police system should remain.

They maintained that married women should stand for elections only from the constituency of their husbands and not from those of their parents.

They added that 30 per cent of elective offices should be reserved for women.

Imo people said there should be specific provision in the constitution to take care of the interests of persons with disability.

They also called for full autonomy for local governments and that elections into local councils be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and not state government agencies.

The people emphasised the need for the National Youth Service Corps to be removed from the constitution so that it would be seen as an ordinary act.

They also demanded that the immunity from criminal prosecution currently enjoyed by the president, vice-president, governors and deputy governors be removed.

Earlier, the senator representing Imo East, Sen. Chris Anyanwu, said the constitution was the prime law of the land.

“The constitution governs and affects every citizen. Therefore, anything to be done to the highest law of the land must carry the mandate of the citizens.

“Its prime purpose is to ensure good governance and welfare of all persons in the country.

“It is with this understanding that the National Assembly came back to the people so that they can have their say,” she said.