By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
STATES and local government creation , role for traditional rulers and community policing dominated submissions at the Northwest Centre B zonal public sitting on the 1999 constitution review Bill 2025 held in Sokoto on Saturday.
Also, memoranda were received on INEC reforms bordering on the need for a special election offences tribunal , inter- security agency synergy fir proper coordination to deal with issues of ballot box snatching, malpractices and other electoral laws violations.
Stakeholders pushing for the creation of additional states gave issues of population growth, economic viability and comparative advantage on mineral resources and bringing government closer to the people for the spread of development as reasons.
However, submission on proposed Kainji state from Niger and Kebbi states and Gobir state out of Sokoto state including requests for additional local governments, set the ball rolling during the hearing session.
Series of submissions on both states and national issues were made by CSOs, traditional institution, individuals, groups including Ulamas , NLC , TUC from across Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.
However, the creation of proposed Kainji State was traced to 1994 when the movement started under different platforms .
Making the submission, the National President , Zuru Emirate Development Society, AVM Sallau Salihu Bala (rtd) said Kainji State would comprise of 3 Emirates ; Kontagora, Borgu and Zuru, with Kontagora as it proposed capital for its central location.
He said the proposed Kainji state has a population figure of over 3.4 million and a landmass of 47,395 km2 which is far even more qualified than 10 existing states cut across 5 geopolitical zones.
” The proposed Kainji state will have 12 LGs”, as he justified among other component advantage of economic viability, massive arable land for livestock venture, and vegetation , enterprising and readiness with capacity to develop and ensure closeness of governance to its people with common cultural, tribal and traditional heritage .
” We have met all the requisite components to qualify the creation of Kainji state having considered all that qualifies a state to become”
Also, the creation of Gobir state out of present Sokoto state which had earlier splitted for the emergence of Kebbi and Zamfara states , caught attention with demand for additional three LGs to make it 11, all from the eastern Senatorial District .
The District had 8 LGs and demanding 3 more with two from Sokoto(Tangaza, Gudu) and one( Shinkafi) from Zamfara state.
It explained that the proposed Gobir state was economically viable and arable with numerous agricultural and mineral potentials to develop with enterprising youth population in addition to dam facilities at Goronyo and Luggu respectively.
The submission also explained how beneficial it would be in terms of food crop production and revenue generation to be able to sustain its self as a state.
The submission pointed out that historically, Gobir state is second to non in large scale farming especially onions and water melon production among others in the country , a comparative economic advantage that would attract foreign investors and development.
Hitherto, much emphasis were placed on the need to allocate constitutional responsibilities to traditional rulers in the course of governance recalling their historical and traditional contributions to cultural( values, norms, morals) for peace and harmonious living as local and grassroots leaders.
It was stated that if formally recognised by the constitution , would enhance national unity, progress, peace and development.
According to the various speakers for the traditional rulers , they were the custodians of what drove every Nigerian citizen to prosperity in terms of many positive contributions from time in memorial.
On the issue of community policing, Professor TK.Baba argued that it was more reasonable, secure and acceptable to embrace the initiative in the constitutional review that dwelling on state police creation.
Baba said nothing would insulate state police from politics and personal wutchunt particularly where an opposition is in power.
He said community policing was the best to brace and complement the existing force especially on intelligence gathering at the grassroots where most emerging crimes were happening. It will also create employment and develop the intelligence levels of those at the grassroots.
Earlier , Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Sada Soli representing Jibiya Federal Constituency pointed out that the greatness of the country lied in its abilities to have difficult conversations , to listen, to debate and to find common ground .
According to him, Nigerians must rise above division, embrace their shared destiny and build a nation where justice , equity and progress were not just ideals, but every day realities.
He assured that all submissions would be compiled and presented at the national level and ensure that the constitution reflects the realities .
” We will ensure inclusive and transparent constitution review that will in fairness, brace the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians irrespective of backgrounds”, Hon Soli emphasised with passion while thanking Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for providing the committee all necessary support.
He also extended acknowledgment remarks to representatives of Kebbi and Zamfara states , Sultan and other key stakeholders for their unflinching efforts and contributions as participants.
