Constitution Review: NCSCN backs electoral reforms, full LG autonomy, others
By: Odieh Ramon, Yenagoa.
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has thrown its weight behind the recommendations for constitutional amendments on electoral reforms, local government autonomy, and promotion of Citizen engagement.
The National Director of the NCSCN, South-South zone, Alabo Nengi J.James (OON) made this known in a Memorandum presented during the South-South (Bayelsa, Edo & Delta) organised by the Chairman and members of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitutional Review.
According to Alabo Nengi James (OON), the memorandum is submitted to provide expert recommendations for constitutional amendments that will enhance the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and grant full autonomy to local Governments
Alabo James noted that the memorandum from the NCSCN is supported by over 500 civil society organisations across the Federation registered with the group and adopted a comprehensive and thorough stakeholders consultation to arrive at a final document representing collective expectations.
In the memorandum, with a copy provided to newsmen, the NCSCN called for the promotion of citizen participation and the strengthening of democratic institutions to fast-track the development of the nation and bring the dividends of democracy to the people.
The group also called for the empowerment of marginalised groups including women, youths, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable institutions,” We advocate for policies and provisions that promote social justice, equity, and human rights”
On electoral reforms, the group called for the amendment of section 153(01) (f) and the relevant parts of the constitution to further strengthen INEC’s independence and financial autonomy, “ensuring it can effectively manage elections without undue influence.”
They also called for the amendment of section 52 and other relevant sections to mandate the use of technology to enhance transparency, reduce electoral disputes, and ensure the timely declaration of results.
They also insisted on the review of laws about voter registration and identification, and issues about campaign finance regulations.
The NCSCN also pointed out that though the NASS has granted autonomy to Local Government councils, “there is the need to amend section 162 of the constitution to ensure direct allocation of funds from the Federation account to local government and bypassing the State Government to enhance proper autonomy.
The group also cited issues of the elections of local government officials, operational autonomy to council Executives, accountability, and transparency by officials of the local government councils.
The NCSCN, in their presentation, vowed to work with the House of Representatives Committee on constitution review to ensure that the proposed amendments reflect the aspirations and needs of Nigerians.
