Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has advocated for a practical, inclusive, and people-focused approach to Nigeria’s constitutional reforms, urging stakeholders to prioritize national unity, economic restructuring, and institutional efficiency.
Speaking through his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, at the South East Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution held on Saturday, Governor Otti emphasized the need for a constitution that evolves with the dynamic aspirations of Nigerians.
He stated that inclusivity in governance is non-negotiable, especially in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society like Nigeria. “The legitimacy of a constitution in a pluralistic society depends on the contributions of all ethnic, religious, and cultural groups,” he said, while highlighting Abia State’s participatory model in resource allocation and decision-making.
While supporting reforms to deepen federalism, the governor expressed reservations about the creation of additional states, warning of the enormous cost implications and a possible expansion of bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Governor Otti threw his weight behind the creation of state police, but called for clear national standards in recruitment, leadership, coordination, and accountability to prevent abuse and ensure alignment with human rights standards.
On local government autonomy, he urged caution, warning that full autonomy could lead to increased financial burdens and administrative bottlenecks at the grassroots level. Instead, he proposed a balanced approach that considers both efficiency and fiscal responsibility.
He further advocated for constitutional recognition of free and compulsory basic education. “Education must be seen as a fundamental right, and the constitution must mandate increased financing and improved quality in delivery,” he added.
Citing the state’s recent strides in electricity reform as an example of the benefits of devolved powers, Governor Otti noted that Abia State had established the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA) following amendments that allowed sub-national entities to participate in the power sector. The state, he said, now enjoys regulatory oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), enabling it to chart its own energy future.
In his address, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described the constitutional review hearing as “a national conversation,” stating that the process must yield a constitution that truly reflects the hopes, values, and realities of all Nigerians.
The hearing brought together legal experts, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders from across the South East region, marking another milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing journey toward constitutional reform.
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