LG creation to top constitution review agenda - Mark

Taiwo Adisa, Abuja - 12.02.2008

SENATE President, Senator David Mark, has stated that the creation of more local governments across the country would top the agenda of the soon-to-begin constitutional review by the National Assembly.

Senator Mark, who spoke on Monday while receiving eminent Lagos indigenes led by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, in his office, said that the controversial areas in the 1999 Constitution, especially the imbalances in the local government creation, would be addressed through the amendment.

The Senate President made the declaration just as Oba of Lagos declared that the people of Lagos State had decided that elections must be conducted into 57 councils instead of 20 recognised by the 1999 constitution.

Senator Mark said that the constitution would be amended with the genuine wishes of the people at heart. “We have assured that there is nothing too sensitive that this Senate would not discussed as long as it has positive impact on the citizenry.

“Nothing will be swept under the carpet and local government creation based on the rule of law would be addressed.” He also assured the people of Lagos State that the state would get it due share in the scheme of things.

According to him, Lagos “will continue to be made a pride of place, a home for all Nigerians. “Whatever we can do, within our legislative mandate to give Lagos State its desired place, would be done.”

The Oba of Lagos told Mark that governments, royal fathers and the people of Lagos State had resolved that election into local government areas must be held in the 57 areas instead of 20.