It is imperative to keep major issues from the recent two-day retreat of the Constitutional Review Committee at the forefront of public discourse. The Nigerian Senate convened in Kano to review key amendments to the 1999 Constitution, focusing on critical topics that impact the nation.
Key Agenda Items
Among the significant topics on the agenda were:
Local Government Autonomy
Creation of State Police
Addressing the Imbalance of in the Southeast Geopolitical Zone , with a particular focus on Anioma State
Women’s Rights Bill
These discussions were aimed at tackling some of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges today, including insecurity and ineffective governance at local levels.
Highlight: The Proposal for Anioma State
A standout moment from the retreat was Senator Ned Nwoko’s passionate presentation on the creation of Anioma State. This proposal represents a critical opportunity to rectify the geopolitical imbalance in the Southeast, which currently consists of only five states. The establishment of Anioma would create the sixth state in the region, addressing long-standing calls for regional equity and enhancing economic potential while also resolving historical marginalization issues that have persisted since the Nigerian Civil War.
Senator Nwoko emphasized that the creation of Anioma would foster peace and stability in the Southeast and bring governance closer to the people of Anioma land and the Delta North Senatorial Zone.
Progress and Support for the Bills
Every bill listed for consideration during the retreat has made significant progress, including the Anioma State creation proposal, which enjoys widespread support both within and outside Delta State. Senator Nwoko, who has presented 25 bills and moved 19 motions in the 10th Assembly, has also proposed several other development-focused initiatives, including:
A bill on social security safety nets for vulnerable populations
A compensation bill for the victims of the Asaba massacre
- A bill advocating for Diaspora voting rights, among others Erroneous Reports and Misinformation
Unfortunately, despite the progress and national importance of these discussions, some individuals, including a scholar and senior citizen , have disseminated falsehoods about the retreat. We caution that facts are sacred ; politicizing and trivializing the significant work being undertaken could jeopardize vital steps toward the development of our people. Erroneous reports have claimed that Anioma State was not discussed, and there have been attempts to misrepresent the focus of the retreat by exaggerating issues like regionalism and economic zoning. These were merely suggested topics for further deliberation , not part of the official agenda.
It is indeed mischievous to ignore the official proceedings and instead peddle misinformation. Such false reports undermine the hard work of those involved and distract from the serious efforts being made to reform Nigeria’s governance structures.
Conclusion
At a time when many Delta North graduates, young men and women, and indeed Nigerian youths are unemployed, stranded, hungry, and despondent, efforts like those of Senator Nwoko are critical for forging a path toward sustainable development . His bills aim to foster inclusive growth and bring governance closer to the people. Misleading the public with erroneous information only serves to harm these efforts.
It is crucial for all Delta North constituents and Nigerians to remain focused on the real issues discussed and support meaningful progress that benefits Delta North, Anioma land, and the nation as a whole. Citizens are encouraged to actively engage with their elected representatives, who are always available for interaction. We urge our people not to be distracted by politics that have historically distanced them from the basic amenities essential for a good livelihood and exploit their reluctance to speak up about their challenges.
Engagement and Support
We must recall that the Constitutional Review Committee is composed of one ranking member from every state of the federation, including many former governors and principal officers. Our own Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North Senatorial Zone, is a member of this important committee. He is well-versed in the nuances of legislative culture and is actively engaging his colleagues to ensure that the interests of our people are represented in the ongoing constitutional review effort.
The constitutional review process is set to be completed by December 2025, allowing amendments to be implemented well ahead of the 2027 elections . This timeline ensures that meaningful reforms addressing current governance challenges are realized.
Misinformation and speculation should be avoided at all costs. Instead, Delta North constituents should engage with the facts, support their representatives, and hold constructive discussions on these critical issues.
Hon. Gloria Okolugbo
Communication Lead
Office of The
Distinguished Senator, Delta North Senatorial Zone
Prince Ned Munir Nwoko.
