As the Senate and House of Representatives start reviewing the 1999 Constitution again, they are united on the importance of local government autonomy but have different opinions about creating state police across the country.
In May 2024, the Senate pointed out that local governments are struggling because state governors mismanage funds meant for them. They believe that local governments have lost their ability to function properly due to a lack of financial control and independence.
On July 11, 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that governors cannot keep or use funds intended for the 774 local government areas (LGAs) in Nigeria. This ruling encouraged the Senators to find ways to help local governments regain their strength and independence.
After a two-day retreat in Kano on September 28 and 29, 2024, members of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review agreed to include full autonomy for local governments in the Constitution. However, they had mixed feelings about state police.
Senators from the South-East and South-South regions also discussed the possibility of creating more states. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele emphasized that local governments need to be independent. He said, “The independence of the autonomy of our local governments cannot be taken away.”
Senator Ned Nwoko pointed out that local governments have become ineffective and need support to revive their roles. He stated, “The local government has almost but died; there is nothing happening there.”
Senator Sani Musa echoed the need for local governments to have the power to manage their own affairs effectively. He argued that elections for local government leaders should be run by an independent body.
When it came to state police, opinions were split. Some Senators believe it would help address security issues, while others are concerned it might be misused by state governors against their opponents. Senator Sani Musa argued that every state is facing security challenges and state police might help.
However, Senator Ali Ndume disagreed, saying, “Right now, we have less than 400,000 police nationwide. Instead of creating state police, we should focus on training and equipping our current officers.”
Senator Nwoko and Osita Izunaso both stated that creating additional states is important for fairness. Nwoko mentioned the long-standing demand for Anioma state, saying, “Agitation for Anioma state has been going on for almost 50 years.”
Izunaso added that the South East region needs an additional state to match other zones, stating, “We need an additional state in the South East so that we come to terms with other zones in the country.”
As discussions continue, the Senators are eager to ensure that the needs of local governments and regional representation are addressed in the constitutional review.
