Thirty-six state houses of assembly on Friday submitted their resolutions on the amendment of the 1999 constitution to the national assembly, voting in favour of financial autonomy for state legislature.
Speaking at a special session of the national assembly, Samuel Ikom, speaker of Akwa Ibom state house of assembly and chairman, conference of speakers, disclosed that the state assemblies also voted for the separation of the office of the attorney-general of the federation from that of the minister of justice.
He said they also voted for the creation of the office of the accountant-general of the federal government.
Ikom emphasised that decision of the state assemblies was guided by the aim of strengthening institutions of government. However, he did not give further details regarding other clauses in constitution alteration bill.
Two of the clauses in the constitution alteration bill make for independent candidature and financial autonomy for local governments.
“Today, on behalf of the 36 state assemblies, I present to you, our resolutions on the constitution alteration bill of which outcome has shown our resolve to strengthen and deepen our democracy,” he said.
“We urge that this process be a continuous one, as sections not agreed to today may find relevance in the future.”
Receiving the amended draft of the constitution, David Mark, the senate president, stated that the national assembly would work at it swiftly.
“Many Nigerians were of the opinion that we were not going to make any amendments to the constitution in the seventh senate, but having returned the draft to us our work has been made easier,” he said.
“It is not a constitution amended to serve any interest or any section of the country or for some people, but a constitution that is binding on all Nigerians.”
Mark, who said the exercise was futile if the “operators” did not respect the constitution, urged Nigerians to embrace the constitution.
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