By Okey Muogbo
The National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Hon Alabi Kolade David has commended the Senate committee Chairman, Senate Committee on Constitution Amemndment, his members and the entire leadership of the National Assembly on the Review and Amendment of the1999 Constitution for announcing the flag-off it it’s Zonal Hearing.
Hon. Alabi stated that such has come at no other better time than now to help in nation building.
He stated that as very important as Constitution is to the people, it will make the Country to stronger, better and united if all the popular views of the entire constituents are captured to truly reflect “we” the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria aimed at addressing all challenges.
He observed that such was very important because it will ensure that those who make decisions on behalf of the public, truly and fairly represent their public opinion and common good.
In his words, “a new Constitution will no doubt set out the ways in which leaders and all those who exercise power may be held accountable to the people.
“It has been long over due especially for us at the Local Governments and Councils. We appreciate this Zonal Hearing, it is a clarion call for the Nigerian people at the grassroots to come out en-mass.
“It is long expected and, looking at the key issues in Scheduled, the Local Governments and Councils have no. 3 on the agenda and that makes it strong and popular. We are happy. This amendment procedures will allow those in Government or position of civil authority to sincerely respond to both the changing political, social, and economic needs of the people especially at the grassroots which is supposed to be a breeding ground for quality, future and law-abiding leaders. We can only get it right through the grassroots governance’, the statement concluded.
It will be recalled that at several times, the National Assembly made attempts to organize Public Zonal Hearing including 6, 7, 8 and the present 9th Assembly in hope of developing a new Constitution to address several gaps, inadequacies and all issues that were tagged incoate in the sight of Law.
Local Governments and Councils through ALGON are presently mobilizing responsibly with all her articulated points preparatory for the already sçheduled hearing.
