1999 Constitution Review: Ikpeazu Seeks Powers For Traditional Rulers

Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has canvassed for constitutional roles for traditional rulers across the country, urging the National Assembly to consider such alteration in the ongoing Constitution Review public hearing nationwide.

ABN TV reports that the Governor made the call on Wednesday in Owerri at the South East Zonal public hearing ahead of the planned Constitution amendment.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. ACB Agbazuere, the governor observed that if constitutional roles are given to traditional rulers especially in the area of galvanising and sensitising citizens, they will perform better.

He further noted that if they are integrated into the country’s electoral process, especially with their harmonious relationship with the electoral commissions, political parties, press, civil society organisations and electorate, it will contribute immensely in enhancing security.

The Governor said further that whenever there is a heightened insecurity in the land, the traditional rulers are the ones usually called upon for intervention, urging that constitutional powers should be given to them so that at the community level, they can assist in securing their domains.

Governor Ikpeazu also drummed support for the establishment of State police as well as revenue allocation rate.

He insisted that the current revenue allocation ratio does not help the states, saying it gives the Federal Government 48.5%, state governments 24%, local government 20% and Special funds administered by the Federal Government 7.5%.

He called on the National Assembly to review the revenue allocation formula in favour of sub-national governments for effectiveness, insisting that a situation where the Federal Government administers about 56% of the Federal account is not in the interest of the people.