The Ondo state governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has noted that constitution review is a very important assignment which must be undertaken with every seriousness and all stakeholders involved must be duly carried along.
Akeredolu was speaking in Akure, Ondo state at the South West zonal public hearing that comprises Ondo, Ekiti and Osun states respectively, organised by the House of Representatives special committee on constitution review.
The governor represented at occasion by his deputy, Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa, emphasised the importance of the constitution review, saying while all stakeholders should be here to bare their minds and all suspicious issues properly x-rayed and ironed-out in the best interest of all.
He reiterated further that nobody must be shut-out in hearing their views by treating all equally, adding that decisions must be anchored on the principle of equity and justice.
Akeredolu informed the gathering that signals from all quarters across the country showed that all is not well, calling for sincerity of purpose in the exercise on the part of all irrespective of party or leanings in the interest of the country.
While making known the positions of the people of Ondo state, Akeredolu called for a constitution that will enhance the performance of public office holders at all levels, saying it was possible to have government that would serve the people indeed and truth, only with a workable and realistic constitution that gives that leverage.
He also called for reduction in cost of governance and shift attention to service delivery at this crucial period in the life of the country.
Akeredolu moved for the scrapping of the Senate just as he advocated for a federal government largely reduced in size and scope of engagement.
Governor Akeredolu who said he was only making the position of the Ondo state people known, noted the country is in dire straits now and no effort must be spared to stop the free fall.
“The current experiences stretch the limits of endurance, everyone tries to remain calm amidst the raging storm.
Speaking further Akeredolu said, “devolution of powers must be far reaching and immediate to reverse the slide into anarchy and economic doldrums.
“Revenue generation and allocation must reflect the extent to which a state participates in the economy. It is anomalous to have a situation in which the federal government issues proclamations on the running of local governments.
“The states should control the mineral resources within their territories and pay taxes to the Federal Government. Each Region must be allowed to explore its potentials for the maximum benefits of its inhabitants. No state should be a parasite on the rest.
“The country may consider dropping the current bicameral structure of the National Assembly and adopt a uni camera legislature. The membership of the National Assembly should be part time.
“A state should be left to decide on the number and size of its local governments. The House of Representatives too should not be unwieldy. A maximum of four representatives should come from each zone.
