By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
A Coalition of CSO groups spearheaded by the Sokoto DNA on Friday unveiled a 16 issues based memoranda including request for the creation of Gobir state, roles for traditional rulers, INEC reform for presentation at the public hearing session billed for tomorrow towards the proposed constitutional amendment bills 2025.
The memoranda according to the coalition is tailored at reflecting the ideal history and heritage of Sokoto state and national fairness especially to the traditional institution.
It also sought INEC to be electronically driven and upgraded to transmit conduct of elections and results directly to a central dash board without having to go through the manual process of collation from ward to state level.
Hitherto, the memoranda it highlighted on continuous review of elections time table to allow space for the exercise not to clash with periods that were religiously essential for the observance of obligations as Ramadan.
Leading the presentations , Hon. Dr Balarabe Kakale at a pre- public hearing briefing in Sokoto said 5 of the issues were on the state while 11 others were on national issues that would impact the country and citizens.
He explained that if given constitutional role in governance, traditional institution should serve as the 4th arm of government to reflect exactly the general cultural and ideals of all Nigerians for unity and harmonious peace.
” They will represent us at the National Council of States also”, Kakale added.
Kakale , a former HoRs member elected on the platform of the PDP said the submission were basically to achieve what would truly reflect the heritage and history of the caliphate noting that Gobir state deserved to be created for its historical foundation as a kingdom stressing that ” is long overdue when you reflect on its legacies compared to others .”
He also mentioned the renaming of three LGs of Sokoto North and Sokoto South and the creation of Shuni and Danchadi local governments respectively as critical issue which it’s submission is so serious to pursue along the issue of LG and states assembly autonomy.
” Regrettably, the 1999 constitution jettisoned all these . We need to address them while amending the constitution to allow smooth flow of development at the grassroots “, he stated.
Similarly, the former lawmaker included the splitting of Dange Shuni, Tureta and Bodinga federal constituency into two among key issues to be presented.
He also explained that ” we are 100 % in support of state police and roles for traditional rulers to ensure accountability, transparency , equity and justice for the common man and inclusivity.
” No constitution is real and people driven except it recognises the culture, values, norms and heritage of its people which the traditional rulers represent .
” What we have is a borrowed scripted document by the colonial masters and imposed on us”, Kakale said .
In the same vein, a top advocate of Gobir state and member of the Sokoto East Development Association( SEZDA) Professor Mua’zu Shamaki on behalf of the association said creating Gobir state will not only advance its political standing but enhance its economic viability for minerals potentials and agricultural activities.
Shamaki explained that with its 8 local governments, Gobir state has vast Arable land potentials , highest in onions , water melon and other crop productions with popular advantage of large fadama space.
” It has huge revenue generation potentials and will bring government more closer to the people for broader developmental initiatives with capacity to attract foreign investors “, he pointed out.
Hitherto, Professor Shamaki a lecturer at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto also noted the natural advantage of demographic standing with 70% of its population controlled by productive youths and the Goronyo and Luggu Dams facilities , Gobir state has what it takes to rapidly develop and sustain its drive for prosperity if created.
Also , a representative of the Usmanu Bn Fodiyo Foundation on Ansaru and Muhajiruns noted that a national setting would not be complete without having the traditional institution key into the system gor rapid development, peace and unity.
He said ” our history begins with culture, history, heritage, religious and ethnic values which are the drivers of a purposeful and visionary society”, he pointed out that addressing all these would permit a system that functions without dwelling on differences.
