The Imo State delegates at the ongoing National Conference have declared the position of the State.

In a six-point provisional agenda made available to THE LEADER, the delegates called for a federation of six regions, consistent with the existing six zones, creation of two more states for the South-East, devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, rotation of presidency and regional/state police.

In taking the position, the five-man delegation said they were guided by some principles, including consistency with the position of the South-East delegates and promotion of the interest of the people of Imo State.

On Regionalism, the delegates said: “Nigeria should be a federation of six (6) regions consistent with the six (6) zones which have come into common use since 1999 for the purposes of equitable administration of the country.  These shall be the following: South-East, South-South, South-West, North-Central, North-East and North-West.  Each of the regions may if desired, create states and Local Governments as considered expedient by the region”.

On the creation of two more states for the South-East, they explained:

“Where the federating units of Nigeria remain the states as presently known, then each of the six (6) zones shall have equitable number of states, which should be seven (7) states per zone.  Consequently two (2) states shall be created from the present South-East zone”.

“Where however conference is unable to recommend the creation of more states as stated above, one state shall be created from the South-East as consented to by other zones of the country in the 2005 National Political Reform Conference.  This state from the South-East, consistent with the principle of equity, which other zones have shown commitment to, shall also be created from a part of the South-East zone in a manner as to ensure equity within the South-East which shall be from between Imo and Anambra States”.

On Devolution of powers, the delegates said: “Consistent with the need to strengthen Federalism in Nigeria, there shall be devolution of powers among the levels of Government in such a manner as to strengthen the states and reduce the burden on the National Government.  Consistent with this, national security, defense, foreign affairs, the railways, monetary and currency matters, aviation shall remain in the exclusive list, while others shall be responsibilities of the regions/states”.

On Fiscal federalism, it was the stand of the Imo delegates that:

“Derivation shall be 50% as was the case by the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions”.

On Rotation of presidency, they suggested that:

“The presidency shall rotate among the six (6) regions/zones of the country commencing with the region which has produced the executive head of the government of the federation for the least period which is the South-East”.

The delegates also recommended regional/state police.

The Imo State delegates comprise: Engr. Ezekiel Izuogu, Mr. Bob Njemanze, Dr. Mrs. Chidinma Uwajumogu, Chief Uzoma Nwosu-Iheme and Prof. Chinedum Nwajuba.

Comments

comments