Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has called on the National Assembly to list the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the State in the Constitution in the spirit of fairness, equity, and justice.
The Governor made this request on Friday at the South-West Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria held at the Watercress Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, added that it is important that the LCDAs, which were created in 2003 with the intent of delivering the dividends of democracy to the grassroots, are recognized and listed as they have helped in creating even development in the State.
“We know that as a nation, the challenges we face are significant and wide-ranging. For example, the pursuit of genuine democracy and the devolution of power, empowering and enhancing our local governments. When I say this, for us in Lagos State, it must be stated that we are requesting unequivocally the listing of our 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). They were created in 2003, about 22 years ago, with the intent of delivering the dividends of democracy to the grassroots. These are children who have been given birth to, they have been nurtured, and they have grown. It would be unfair for the nation not to give them a birth certificate.” He stated.
Speaking further, the governor stated that the Court had ruled that the state had followed all the processes in the creation of the 37 LCDAs, but that it was incoherent, “Incoherent in the sense that the court does not have the right to list them, but it is only the Senate or the National Assembly that can list it, So that’s our request.”
He also cited further that the population of Lagos in 2006, according to the National Population Commission, was 9,286,417, and that of Kano was about 4,000 higher, but Kano State has 44 local governments, and Lagos has 20.
Sanwo-Olu noted further that as the government embarks on the critical process of reviewing the constitution, it must be guided by the principles of inclusiveness, equity, and justice, noting that it is crucial that everyone, irrespective of gender or religion, men and women, young and old, is listened to, saying “Their hopes, worries, and dreams should shape the amendments that come out of this process.”
The Governor said that his administration will continue to support all initiatives aimed at strengthening the nation’s constitutional framework and deepening the roots of its democracy, adding that the State Government is fully committed to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law. The Governor, therefore, commended the Senate Committee for their dedication to a transparent and inclusive review process, encouraging all stakeholders and citizens to participate constructively, to listen, and to let the spirit of unity and patriotism guide their discussions.
Earlier in his welcome address, Deputy Senate President/Chairman, Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Sen. Barau Jibril who was represented by the Zonal Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, stated that in response to growing demands, the 10th Senate constituted the Constitution Review Committee to tackle citizens’ calls for amendments to the Constitution.
Sen. Jibril said that the Committee’s mandate is to foster a broad national consensus, rather than echo the voices of a powerful minority that dominate media platforms. This context guided the Committee as it sought memoranda and proposals from Nigerians on potential constitutional changes aimed at enhancing good governance and promoting the welfare of all individuals, rooted in the principles of freedom, equality, and justice.
He noted that the Zonal Public Hearing focused on the Bills and issues related to further amendments of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, adding that the event is simultaneously taking place across the six geopolitical zones of the nation today.
the Senator highlighted that the Public hearing will address issues such as electoral reforms and adjudication; judicial reforms focused on case management and administration; enhancements to local government administration; the involvement of traditional institutions in contemporary governance promoting human rights; ensuring gender equity and inclusion in governance; the devolution and distribution of powers; the structure of federation; and concerns related to security and policing among others. The Senator, therefore, encouraged Nigerians to articulate their thoughts and engage in the crucial reform process aimed at strengthening democratic structures, institutions, and fostering unity, as well as improving good governance.
In their goodwill messages, the Obas of the Southwestern State, Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Alafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade; Oba of Lagos, Oba Riliwan Akinolu; Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, among others, said that traditional rulers play a vital role in the development of the grassroots, urging the Senate to consider them in the amendment of the constitution for further growth of the country.
Also, in their goodwill message, Speakers of the Southwest State Houses of Assembly pledged that their assemblies would support the Senate in the constitutional amendment process, as well as in the enhancement and implementation of the constitution. They emphasized that, through collective efforts, they can help shape a Nigeria that is prosperous and inclusive for everyone.
They further stated that strengthening democracy and deepening good governance are essential steps that will drive the country’s development.
