Cross River, Rivers States Push for State Police, LG Autonomy in

By Gloria Ikibah

The governments of Cross River and Rivers States have openly backed key constitutional amendments, including the creation of state police, full autonomy for local governments, and the establishment of new states.

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Their stance was made public during a South-South zonal hearing on the ongoing constitution review, held in Calabar, Cross River State.

The session drew a diverse audience – traditional rulers, federal lawmakers, former ministers, and state officials – all pressing for equity, inclusion, and far-reaching structural reforms in Nigeria’s governance.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Bassey Otu, Cross River’s Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, described the occasion as “a profound moment in history.”

He also urged the National Assembly to take the demands of Nigerians seriously as it works to amend the nation’s supreme law.

Both state governments reiterated that the proposed reforms are crucial for addressing long-standing governance challenges and ensuring that the federal system works for all Nigerians.

“It is with deep patriotism and a profound sense of responsibility that I welcome you to Cross River State for the important public hearing of the review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“This exercise resonates strongly with the hopes and aspirations of our people. Our desire is a more inclusive, just, and effective framework of governance,” he said.

Addressing key constitutional concerns, he highlighted that “some provisions of the 1999 Constitution have become less responsive to current challenges and must be carefully reviewed in the light of our collective progress.”

The deputy governor stressed the moral obligation embedded in the process, and urged lawmakers to prioritise voices from the grassroots, saying,

“The Constitution begins with the phrase, We the people. This declaration is not mere preamble. It asserts that sovereignty rests not in institution or personality, but in the people themselves.

“Let this hearing be a true platform for civic expression… one that upholds the fundamental democratic principle that government derives its legitimacy not from the consent of government, but from the people that they govern,” he said.

He also threw Cross River’s weight behind key reform demands such as inclusion of women and people living with disabilities in governance, state policing, and state creation.

“The people of Cross River State believe that our women deserve inclusion in government and that people with various disabilities also deserve a place. Like you, we agree as a state that the idea of state policing is right and this is the only time we can get it right.”

“We believe very strongly that it is not only the military that can create states and local governments for Nigeria. States will be created from this process. I don’t want to tell you which state that will be, because I will be biased,” he said.

In solidarity, the representative of Rivers State, Vera Sam-Dike speaking on behalf of the Rivers State Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, echoed strong support for wide-ranging reforms, aligning with 73 of the proposed constitutional amendment bills.

“We support resource control. We are here because it will promote inclusiveness, peace, happiness, unity, and economic growth in Nigeria,” he said.

Rivers State also backed state police, women’s inclusion in politics, more representation for people living with disabilities, judicial reforms, traditional institution recognition, and increased state and local government creation.

“Let me not bore us. As the lawyers will say, the document we have supported speaks for itself.

“We support 73 bills aimed at electoral reforms, judicial reforms, devolution of powers, inclusive governance, security, and fiscal reforms,” Ibok added.

She emphasised the urgent need for state policing, citing worsening national security.

“The security situation in the nation is, for us, becoming a bit overwhelming for the security apparatus we have now. State policing will help a lot in curbing the security issues, because states understand their territories better than outsiders,” he said.

Both states jointly stressed the importance of implementing constitutional changes, with a call for further consultations to refine the legal framework.

“By adopting our recommendations, Nigeria can build a more robust, inclusive, and prosperous society for all citizens. When we are happy, a lot of issues will be solved,” the Rivers representative concluded.

Cross River, Rivers States Push for State Police, LG Autonomy in Constitution Review

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