Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has called for the separation of the Attorney-General of Federation’s office from the Ministry of Justice during the ongoing constitutional review by the National Assembly.
Governor Ortom, who made the call while inaugurating the state committee for the review at state Government House, Makurdi, the state capital, said the review is long overdue.
The governor also called for the review of residency, indigene issues, state creation, and immunity for the legislature.
Others he mentioned include Local Government Autonomy, Public Revenue, Fiscal Federation and Revenue Allocation, Nigerian Police and Nigerian Security Architecture.
The governor also noted comprehensive Judicial Reforms including Electoral Reforms to strengthen the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to deliver transparent, credible free, and fair elections.
According to him, the task of reviewing and amending the constitution is an essential step in building a better and stronger Nigeria.
He said: “No constitution anywhere in the world can be considered too perfect to require review and amendment.
“The true test of a good constitution is that it is continually tested in practice and periodically reviewed so that it fits for the purpose of its creation.”
Mr Ortom also emphasized that Nigeria’s practice of Federalism, Democracy, and the Rule of Law needed to be improved.
He equally called for the establishment of a constitutional court to support the Supreme Court in dispute resolution.
He said: “Having operated the 1999 Constitution for over 21 years, we know where the shoe pinches us and should be able to make the necessary adjustments and improvements to our governance.
“We need to separate the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation from that of the Minister of Justice.
“Also, separate the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation from that of the Accountant-General of the Federal Government (and similarly for the office of the Auditor-General).”
“We will need to establish a Constitutional Court to support the Supreme Court in settling disputes between the levels of government as a court.”
Mr Ortom, therefore, urged the committee to work within the timeframe expected of them.
This, he said, was to ensure all that is needed to ensure good governance.
