Barau: 55 new states, 278 LGAs proposed in ongoing constitution amendment

Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, says the National Assembly’s joint committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution is considering 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments, and 278 LGA creation requests.

Barau spoke at a two-day retreat of the senate and house of representatives committees on constitution review held in Lagos.

In a statement by Ismail Mudashir, his special adviser on media and publicity, Barau said the exercise reflects the national assembly’s commitment to delivering people-centred and timely amendments.

He urged lawmakers to ensure that the first set of amendments is transmitted to state houses of assembly before the end of the year.

“It has been a long journey to bring the senate and the house of representatives constitution amendment proposals that cut across several sections and deal with different subject matters,” Barau said.

“We have been in this process for the past two years, engaging our constituents, critical stakeholders, institutions, civil society organisations, and interest groups — in town hall meetings, interactive sessions, and public hearings — harvesting and synthesising views and perspectives which have culminated in what we have here today

“69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments, and 278 local government creation requests.”

Barau, who chairs the senate committee on constitution review, said the lawmakers are expected to resolve the issues raised and make recommendations to both chambers.