…Calls for State Assembly Autonomy, Legislative Reforms
The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has joined other leaders in the Southwest to advocate key amendments in the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.
Aribasoye, who also serves as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers in the Southwest, made the call during a zonal public hearing held by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review at the Dome Centre, Akure, Ondo State.
The public hearing covered Southwest Zone B, comprising Ekiti, Ondo and Osun States.
A statement by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Babajide Agbeyo, on Friday in Ado-Ekiti, said the Speaker represented the views of state assemblies across the country at the event.
He said the lawmakers were in full support of key constitutional changes being championed by state governors, including true federalism, resource control, recognition of Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) as local governments, and the establishment of state police.
Aribasoye however stressed the need for greater legislative independence. He called for the removal of the power to proclaim the state assembly from the governor, saying it should instead rest with the Clerk of the House to guarantee the autonomy of the legislature.
He also condemned situations where governors block elected lawmakers from being sworn in, despite having valid certificates of return.
The Speakers also called for reserved seats for women in parliament, constitutional youth quotas, and other reforms to deepen democracy and improve representation.
In his contribution, the Attorney General of Ekiti State, Mr. Dayo Apata (SAN), who represented the state governor, advocated the upgrading of LCDAs to full LG status, implementation of community policing, ban on open grazing, and increased inclusion of women and persons with disabilities in governance.
Also speaking at the event, the host Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, and the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, reiterated the call for true federalism. They said a properly structured federal system would strengthen state capacities and promote development.
The forum also featured inputs from labour unions, traditional rulers, women’s groups and other stakeholders, who made presentations on their expectations from the constitutional amendment process.
The 1999 Constitution is currently being reviewed by the National Assembly through zonal public hearings, consultations and engagements across the six geopolitical zones.
The amendment seeks to address key national concerns such as restructuring, local government autonomy, state policing, national security and inclusive governance.