A proposal was presented to the Chairman, Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution by the Royalty Women for Peace and Development Initiative (ROWPEDI), Yola advocated Gender Equality for Women,Girls,constitutional roles for traditional rulers and local governments autonomy.
The Grand-Patron/Chairperson board of trustees of the organization, Her Royal Majesty, Haj. Aishatu Barkindo Aliyu
(Sarauniyar Adamawa) presented the papers in Gombe International Hotel, venue of the events and talked on six cardinal issues as their views.
Talking on behalf of the group, Mrs Barkindo said federal Structure and Power Devolution is an important matter and many look forward to a radical amendment in order for the country to return to a proper federation.
“While it is our considered opinion, that some of the current functions and powers of the Federal Government can easily be transferred to states, it must be gradual. We are also equally aware of the demands for additional states creation, but we are strongly of the view that, such move for now would not be in the overall interest of our country and the citizenry.
“Our 36–state structure must first and foremost be re-directed and re- oriented to be viable and not depend on the Central Government for funds in order to survive or even pay salaries. When the Federal Government cedes certain functions/powers, states can begin to re-strategize and plan for self sustenance rather than using 90% of federal allocation to pay salaries and leaving behind virtually very little for capital works, especially in a situation where IGR is very low.
“In addressing the issue of power devolution to states, we must be
willing and ready to go at it all the way. Just as pressure is put on the
Federal Government to cede certain functions/powers to states.
The women who are clamoring for gender equality lean on the Constitution review to improve, safe guard
rights, privileges and wellbeing of the citizenry.
” The need to provide gender equality for women and girls, we believe it must be given prominent attention, such that it is provided for in the constitution in clear terms. Women constitute about equal number with men in our population. Indeed, in some states, women outnumber men. When it comes to elections, in many areas, women voters outnumber men. It is on the basis of this, that, various International Conventions/Agreements advocate positive affirmative actions to support women participation in governance, and party political activities beyond mere tokenism. Following Beijing May 25, 2021 declaration.
“It has been advocated at various fora that at least 35% allotment be set aside for women in all state matters and activities. Equal attention to be accorded to the girl child, in educational goals and skills training, and cultural practices that inhibit the development of the girl child to attain her full potentials should not be tolerated. In so doing, however, we must be sensitive to religious sensibilities in
advocating for such in order NOT to offend the adherents of a particular religious belief.
“It is important to underscore the point that any nation that ignores almost 50% of its population by leaving them out of its governance structure and affairs is doomed to stagnation and will remain undeveloped, as its human capacity is not fully utilized.
The women group further canvased for local government autonomy by saying that” the country must accept reality that local governments must be allowed to operate outside the strangulation of states. There must be Local Government autonomy in the full sense of its meaning.”
Other issues they raised was that Traditional Institutions must be revered, accorded very specific constitutional roles as they constitute a very important segment of the society because they play a significant role in the maintenance of peace and security.
“Any provision that limits their role to simply advisory, must be made
away with, and have them clearly perform specific roles that will
complement the state in the maintenance of peace, harmony,
security and peaceful co-existence within their various domains and
in the nation at large. There should be Council of Chiefs at state, zonal
and federal levels with specific functions and roles.” They said
They raised the issue of Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security Architecture, which they said the provision of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended regarding this, need to be reviewed in order to enhance professionalism,
efficiency and optimal performance.
According to them:”Towards this end, the Constitution Review Committee should initiate a dialogue with very many prominent retired security/intelligence experts in the country, and surely their experience and worldwide expertise would very much add value.
“Suffice to say at this point that the idea of implementing community policing that is in the offing would be a good starting point. It is hereby recommended that police officers up to the rank of DSP should remain to serve within their locality for effectiveness in the fight against crime within their respective communities.
“Judicial reforms are essential in ensuring an enduring, united and
prosperous nation. This must be carried out urgently in view of the rapidly changing environment not only in the country but globally and technology wise. Again, like Police and Security reforms, your committee should initiate a dialogue with key critical stakeholders both serving and retired on how best to go about this. Of course, it is absolutely essential for the Constitution Review Committee to emphatically insist on full autonomy of the Judiciary at all levels, such that it operates as truly an independent arm of the government with clear constitutional mandate.
“In order to promote unity in our diverse country, the provisions of the constitution should be such that, Nigerians should be entitled to live
happily and peacefully in any part of the Country as they may so wish and desire. Furthermore, provisions should be made such that any Nigerian living in any part of the Country after some specified period of time can opt to become an indigene of any particular state that he resides in and should be so accepted. Failing which, he can seek redress in the court of law, i.e. to make denial justiciable.”
