The clamour for the creation of more states and removal of immunity clause from the nation’s constitution on Friday drew flaks of the Lagos state Governor, Mr.Babatunde Fashola, former minister of Works, Alhaji Femi Okunnu among other stakeholders, who ruled out the agitation for creation of more states, removal of immunity clause and inclusion of traditional role in the constitution.
The governor and stakeholders, who chronicled their views at the one-? Day public hearing on the proposed amendment of the 1999 constitution held at Lagos state House Auditorium said irregularities in the country’s constitution was grossly responsible for the nation’s setbacks.
Speaking at the forum, Governor Fashola said instead of demanding for additional states, the people should agitate for additional local governments, adding that such demands when granted would enhance development at the grass root level, and as well bringing governance closer to the people.
“The reason why some sections of the country are agitating for creation of additional local government is hinged on the perceive marginalisation.?
This can be addressed with the creation of additional local government rather than Balkanizing or dismembering the existing ones.” he said Harping on the call for the removal of immunity clause, the governor said it should be retained in the constitution, so as to guard against distraction, adding that immunity is attached to the office not the office holders.
He added that, “The political office holders, could be tried after the expiration of his/her tenure of office, if found culpable of any vices”.
On the call for devolution of power, the governor said this became imperative, noting that the present system backed by the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria gives more power to the government at the centre.