By Mercy Aikoye
The Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called for a constitutional amendment to grant more powers to states, including the creation of State Police and control over mineral resources. This call was made during a public hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution.
The Kogi State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Muiz Yinus Abdullahi, SAN, emphasized the need for a people-oriented constitution. He stated, “This time, what we want is that, this Constitution should be owned by the Nigerians and not the Constitution owning Nigerians.”
Governor Ododo’s submission highlighted the importance of devolving powers to state governments to facilitate tailored policies that reflect the unique socio-economic realities of each region. He said, “By empowering states with greater autonomy, the government can facilitate tailored policies that reflect the unique socio-economic realities of each region, thereby driving rapid and sustainable growth nationwide.”
The Governor also emphasized the need for equitable development, stating that granting states more control over mineral resources within their territories is essential for achieving this goal. He noted that “currently, mineral resource management falls squarely under federal jurisdiction, which can lead to delays, inefficiencies, and a disconnect from local priorities.”
On the issue of security, Governor Ododo called for the creation of State Police, stating that this would enable states to address security challenges more effectively. He emphasized that “power sharing is a fundamental principle that lies at the heart of the ongoing constitutional amendment process.”
The Governor also called for a review of the revenue sharing formula, emphasizing the need for a more equitable distribution of resources. He stated that “granting states more control over mineral resources within their territories is a vital step toward achieving the goal of equitable development of constituent states.”
On environmental issues, Governor Ododo emphasized the need for states to have more control over environmental management, stating that “by allowing states to oversee mining operations, states can better regulate extraction processes, ensure compliance with environmental standards, and engage directly with local communities affected by mining activities.”
In conclusion, Governor Ododo’s submission highlighted the need for a constitutional amendment that grants more powers to states, including the creation of State Police and control over mineral resources. The Kogi State Attorney General’s call for a people-oriented constitution underscores the importance of ensuring that the constitution serves the needs of Nigerians.
