Barr. Amobi Nzelu, Principal Partner at Chinenye Chambers, Abuja, has shared his views on the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review’s planned public hearing.
The committee, chaired by the Deputy Senate President Barau Jibril, will hold public hearings in each geopolitical zone from July 4th to 5th, 2025.
Nzelu believes that local governments should be allowed to function autonomously, as mandated by the Supreme Court’s judgment.
He argues that governors often hijack funds meant for local governments, and that the Senate should respect the court’s decision and allow local governments to receive their funds directly.
The constitutional lawyer also advocates for the establishment of state police, citing the alarming rate of insecurity in the country.
He believes that state police would be better equipped to handle local security challenges and that the current system, which relies on the federal police, is inadequate.
On judicial reforms, Amobi Nzelu Esq. suggests that there should be seven Supreme Courts in Nigeria, one for each geopolitical zone.
He believes that this would help to reduce the burden on the current Supreme Court and ensure faster and more efficient justice delivery. He also suggests that each zone should have its own Court of Appeal and High Courts, with the Supreme Court of each zone serving as the final appellate court for that zone.
Nzelu also weighed in on other bills, including the bill to empower the Revenue Mobilization, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission to enforce compliance with remittance accruals.
He believes that this bill is a welcome development and would help to ensure accountability and transparency in government revenue collection.
On the bill for inclusive governance, Nzelu argues that the four legs of Nigeria’s quadripod of Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba and the Minority must be properly included and represented in government.
He believes that this would help to promote balance and equity in governance.
Nzelu also spoke on the bill for gender equity, suggesting that there should be a law requiring: each state to have at least one woman senator and; that one third of House of Reps are also women.
He believes that this would help to promote women’s representation in governance.
Welcoming the Bill for recognition of traditional institutions, Amobi Nzelu Esq suggests that they be granted independence and empowered to hold council meetings in each state, leveraging their roles as fathers of the states.
With this independence, he went on, traditional rulers would have the authority to hold governors and public office holders accountable without fear of removal.
Nzelu further proposes that they serve as mediators and advisors, facilitating reconciliation and guidance between governors, speakers, and other public office holders, drawing on their paternal wisdom and influence.
The Senate Committee on Constitutional Review’s public hearings provide an opportunity for Nigerians to share their views on proposed constitutional amendments.
Nzelu’s contributions highlight the need for reforms in local government autonomy, state police, and the judiciary, among other areas.
