FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti OFR has called for a comprehensive and inclusive review of the 1999 Constitution to address the country’s developmental challenges.
Governor Alex Otti who was represented by his Deputy Ikechukwu Emetu at the South East zonal hearing in imo State, emphasized the need for collective engagement in nation-building, and advocated for a governance structure that gives every major clan a say in resource allocation and decision-making.
Governor Otti supported the creation of state police, but stressed the importance of clear standards and guidelines, he also endorsed proposals for additional seats for women in national and state assemblies, emphasizing internal party democracy.
Speaking on Basic Education, he advocated for making free and compulsory basic education a fundamental right, with a focus on education financing and teacher welfare. He finally urged Nigerians to participate in the constitution review process, emphasizing that building a better nation requires collective effort and a willingness to address practical challenges. Otti also expressed optimism that the review would open up new possibilities for national development.
In his address, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described the hearings as “a national conversation” that must produce a constitution that “reflects the hopes and values of all Nigerians.” He urged citizens to treat the document as a social contract, not merely a legal text.
In his goodwill message, Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodinma lauded the inclusive process and expressed optimism that the South East’s aspirations, including new state creation would receive due consideration. He also called attention to challenges in the constitutional guarantees of freedom of residency and employment across states.
Also in his remarks, Chief Chris Uche, constitutional consultant and national adviser to the review committee, presented a compendium of the bills before the House and emphasized the committee’s commitment to gender inclusion and democratic development.
Civil societies, sociocultural groups, professional bodies such as the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Farmers Association, Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Park Management he Associations, Banks and other financial institutions among others presented their position papers during the event.
Signed
Amah Ijeoma
FIC Correspondent, Deputy Governors office
19-07-2025
