— As Enugu hosts Senate Committee ahead of constitutional review hearing
BY EDITOR
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has thrown his weight behind calls for the creation of an additional state in the South East and the institutionalization of rotational presidency, as part of broader constitutional reforms aimed at promoting equity and national cohesion.
The governor made this known on Thursday while receiving the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment, led by the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi, at the Government House, Enugu.
The courtesy visit came ahead of the South East Zonal Public Hearing on the proposed further alteration of the 1999 Constitution, scheduled for July 4 and 5 in Enugu.
Welcoming the lawmakers, Governor Mbah described the constitutional amendment process as a “historic opportunity to redress longstanding imbalances and deepen democracy.”
He expressed support for core issues under review, including state creation, state police, and equitable power-sharing arrangements.
"We support the creation of an additional state for the South East to bring it at par with other geopolitical zones in the country. This will address the structural imbalance and promote fairness in representation and resource allocation," Mbah stated.
He also called for the institutionalization of rotational presidency to reflect Nigeria’s diverse character and to ensure that no region is perpetually excluded from the country’s highest leadership position.
"Our federal system must evolve to reflect equity, justice, and inclusiveness. Rotational presidency will foster a greater sense of belonging among Nigeria’s diverse nationalities and strengthen our unity," the governor added.
Earlier, Senator Nwebonyi acknowledged Governor Mbah’s warm reception and emphasized the critical need to review the current constitution, which he described as a product of military dictatorship with limited input from the Nigerian people.
He stressed the committee’s commitment to engaging all stakeholders in shaping a people-oriented constitution.
"The review process aims to address systemic flaws in our national structure, ranging from governance and security to equitable resource distribution and representation. We are here to listen to the voices of the people of the South East," Nwebonyi said.
Other members of the Senate Committee on the delegation included Senators Orji Uzor Kalu, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Osita Ngwu, and Anthony Ani, among others.
The two-day zonal hearing is expected to attract diverse submissions from civil society, traditional rulers, political groups, and ordinary citizens, and will serve as a critical step in building consensus for meaningful constitutional reforms.
Governor Mbah assured the committee of Enugu State’s active participation and urged citizens to engage the process constructively for the good of the region and the nation.
"The decisions we make today through this process will define the future of our country. Let us rise above partisanship and commit to a constitution that truly serves the people," he said.
