The South-East zonal public hearing for the amendment of the 1999 constitution has commenced at Protea Hotel, Owerri, Imo State.
Recall that the zonal Chairman of the exercise, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, arrived in Owerri on Tuesday followed by the arrival of the Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, and his Imo State counterpart, Hope Uzodinma.
Also present are Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia Central), the Speaker of the Imo House of Assembly, Paul Emeziem, Member representing Isiala Mbano/Okigwe/Onuimo Miriam Onuoha among others.
A statement by the Deputy President of the Senate, Ovie Omo-Agege said the constitutional review exercise will emphasize 13 thematic areas which include gender equality for women and girls; federal structure and power devolution; local government and its autonomy; public revenue, and fiscal federation.
Others are revenue allocation, Nigerian Police and Nigerian security architecture as well as comprehensive judicial reforms.
Also on the list for consideration are electoral reforms; socio-economic and cultural rights as contained in Chapter 2 of the Constitution.
Strengthening the Independence of oversight institutions and agencies created by the constitution or pursuant to an act of the National Assembly; residency and indigene provisions; immunity; National Assembly and state creation will also form the fulcrum of the exercise.
