The House of Representatives has continued its public hearing on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to capture various views and opinions of Nigerians in the country’s constitution.

Declaring the constitution review public hearing in Akure open on Friday, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State emphasised the need for constitutional amendments that would reflect current realities and breathe new life into the polity.

He advocated for the establishment of state police to enhance national security, resource control by states, and the creation of additional states to address structural imbalances.

Also, Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti, represented by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dayo Apata, called for equal political representation for women and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Mr Oyebanji demanded a total ban on the movement of cattle and livestock to address the constant feud between herders and farmers in the country.

He added that the review should accommodate formal recognition of traditional rulers in the constitution.

Similarly, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun, represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, called for the reduction of the cost of governance and political campaigns.

Mr Adeleke cautioned that unregulated campaign expenses could lead to desperation and electoral malpractices.

Representing traditional rulers, the Olowo of Owo and the chairman of the Ondo State Council of Obas, Gbadegesin Ogunoye, advocated for the constitutional recognition of traditional rulers and their inclusion in policy-making processes.

Mr Ogunoye said the proximity of traditional rulers to the people had enabled them to make a great impact in society.

The chairperson of the Nigerian League of Women Voters, Titilayo Owolabi, demanded greater inclusion of women in governance and political participation.

In its major demands, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) solicited the protection of media professionals and the establishment of a bailout for “struggling” media organisations.

The chairman of the NUJ in Ondo State, Leke Adegbite, who submitted the union’s position, said that special provisions for media professionals would reinforce the rights to freedom of expression, life, and liberty.

James Faleke, the chairman of the South-West Centre B of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review Public Hearing, said the aim was to get Nigerians’ views on the proposed constitutional review.

(NAN)