UPDATE: Gov. Okowa Calls For Alteration Of Section 9 To Create New Constitution ★Says Series Of Amendments Yet To Yield Desired Results ★Wants Power Devolved To States, Local Govts ★Calls For Review Of Derivation Formula, Role Of NASS In RMAFC

 UPDATE: 


Gov. Okowa Calls For Alteration Of Section 9 To Create New Constitution

★Says Series 

AHMED MUSA


Delta state Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa has said that what is more sensible and economical is for Nigeria to have a new constitution by adding a clause to section 9 of the 1999 constitution to enable the legislature repeal and rewrite a new one.


He said the need for a new grand norm has become necessary since previous amendments have not yielded any positive result as expected.


He stated these on Thursday while addressing members of the House of Representatives committee on the review of the 1999 constitution, led by the deputy speaker and chairman, Ahmed Idris Wase who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Asaba. 


"Okowa asked: “Is it possible to have a brand new constitution when there is one exiting? As the constitution is at the moment there is no provision to allow that. But I believe that if we have a deep thought and look at Section 9 of the constitution it would be possible to add a clause and when that clause must have been approved and has become law, it would now be possible under such a condition for the National Assembly to rewrite an entire constitution which would come into effect after all the process have been done."


The Governor also called on the National Assembly to prioritize devolution of power from the center to the subnational (component states) as requisite for growth and development.


“There is a need for devolution of power. We believe that the exclusive list is too burdensome for the Federal government to handle. It is not about this administration. It is about all the administrations at the Federal level. When you take too much for yourself, you find it difficult to be as efficient as you would have been ordinarily.



“And whether we like it or not the truth is the sub national governments are closer to their people and are best situated to represent their people and to reach out and to touch them in ways and manners that the people would best appreciates we think there is a need to looking at that exclusive list and to make adjustment to devolve more power to the sub-national government. 


Touching on the fiscal federalism, governor Okowa charged members of the House to look at amending section 162 of the constitution with a view to guaranteeing fiscal independence of states and local governments in the country.


To this end, he stressed the need for the review of revenue allocation to states, as well as an upward review of the 13 percent derivation formula currently in use for oil producing states, adding that the Niger Delta as a region faces more difficulties trying to achieve infrastructure development than other regions of the country.


“Of course going through on that would be that there would need to be the reallocation of resources to be able to make the sub-national government more impactful than they are at the moment. When we concentrate too much power at the national level it creates a lot of challenges. We can help ourselves as a nation by devolving those powers.”


Okowa regretted that since 1999 till date there has been no review of the revenue allocation formula. 


"We also believe that on the issue of derivation, the oil communities are not well treated. We know that the provision of the constitution is that derivation shall be at least 13 percent, but from all our workings, with all; that goes out, the states that are oil producing do not get up to 13 per cent,” he said.


The governor also called for the creation of state police to tackle the problem of insecurity in the country.


“There is need for the establishment of state police not because we believe that the federal police is inefficient, but we believe that it would be difficult for them to have enough personnel with such a command structure that will be functional enough to handle the level of insecurity in the land today. We are not asking for a scrapping of the federal police, but there is a need for the creation of state police. Nigeria would not be the first nation to have that and it can be worked out in a manner that would correlate with each other,” he said.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Delta Attorney General Swears in Okumagba as New National President of the Association of Justices of the Peace ***** Okumagba Unveils 7-Pillars Reform Agenda

Image
  By Wilson Macaulay WARRI  In a colourful and well-attended ceremony at Ishaka Hotel, Refinery Road, Effurun, the Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole SAN, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, inaugurated Olorogun Victor Akpor Okumagba, JP., FNHR, AICMC, as the new President of the Delta State Association of Justices of the Peace. The Attorney General, represented by Mivwodere  Okorefe Esq., Principal State Counsel, Ministry of Justice, described the Association as an indispensable partner in the administration of justice, stressing that “justice and peace are inseparable twins.” He reminded members of their statutory responsibilities—preserving peace, authenticating documents, mediating disputes, issuing processes, considering bail, and serving as community representatives. He particularly emphasized the newly strengthened role of Justices of the Peace under Section 73 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law, which mandates ...
Read more

Patani Remembers Magdalene as High Chief (Dr) Egukawhore Celebrates His Mother’s 5-Year Memorial."

Image
*-  The Chairman, DE WAYLE’S GROUP OF COMPANIES, High Chief (Dr.) Emonena Victor Wayles Egukawhore (JP, FCILG) in a heartwarming display of devotion and gratitude to God, Almighty hosted a remarkable 5th Memorial Service in honor of his late mother, Deaconess (Mrs) Magdalene Zipuamere Egukawhore, on Sunday, November 17, 2024.  The grandiose event, which was held at St. Matthew Anglican Church, Patani, Delta State Nigeria, brought together family, friends, dignitaries, and well-wishers from across the Globe to celebrate the life and times of a woman whose legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. The roll call of dignitaries which is inexhaustible includes His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. (Hon) Sheriff Oborevwori who was highly represented, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, Senator (Dr) Arthur lfeanyi Okowa, former Governor of Delta state, His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah the Executive Governor of Enug...
Read more

PTI Defends Its Reputation Against Misleading Sahara Media Report By Wilson Macaulay Effurun, Delta State July 12 2025 The Management of the prestigious Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, has vehemently refuted a sensational and malicious report published by Sahara Reporters on July 10, 2025, which alleged that students of the foremost oil and gas institution study in “flooded classrooms and snake-infested hostels” despite a ₦39 billion budget. Describing the publication as “baseless, mischievous, and an orchestrated attempt to malign the integrity of the institution,” PTI Management said the report is not only factually inaccurate but also a deliberate attack on the hard-earned reputation and progress of the institution under its current leadership. In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, the management declared: > “There are absolutely no flooded classrooms or snake-infested hostels within the Institute. These claims are complete fabrications devoid of any evidence or truth.” Management further challenged Sahara Reporters to produce any verifiable photographic or video proof to substantiate its claims. > “If such conditions exist as alleged, Sahara Reporters should have no difficulty presenting concrete evidence. Until then, their report remains a reckless misrepresentation aimed at misleading the public.” PTI clarified that all its lecture halls, laboratories, workshops, and hostels are structurally sound, properly ventilated, electrically powered, and routinely maintained. The Institute prides itself on maintaining a safe and conducive academic environment for learning, innovation, and professional development in the oil and gas sector. The management in clear terms described the publication as the work of “unscrupulous elements seeking to sow discord and cast aspersions on the steady infrastructural development PTI has recorded in recent years.” As a center of excellence in petroleum training and manpower development, PTI has, under its current administration, seen remarkable transformation in terms of physical infrastructure, digital modernization, and student welfare programs. The Institute continues to attract local and international recognition for its cutting-edge research and high-impact training curriculum. While assuring stakeholders, parents, and the general public of its unwavering commitment to the safety and welfare of its students, the management reiterated its call for responsible journalism and urged media practitioners to verify facts before rushing to publication. “We remain focused on our mandate and will not be distracted by smear campaigns designed to derail our progress.”

Image
Read more