Ebonyi State has aligned with the broader South-East region in calling for a constitutional amendment that ensures rotational presidency, true local government autonomy, and increased political representation for women.
This was made known during the South-East Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution held in Enugu on Friday. The event was organized by the Senate Committee on Constitutional Review to gather input from the region.
Representing Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Moses Odunwa, called for the creation of an additional state in the South-East to bring the region at par with others in terms of state count. Currently, the South-East has only five states, while some zones have six or seven.
Odunwa further emphasized Ebonyi’s support for reserved political seats for women, suggesting that political parties should be mandated to field female candidates for seats specifically designated for women.
“We believe in a more inclusive governance structure where women are not just participants but key players,” he said.
The call echoes similar demands made by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah—represented at the hearing by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia—who highlighted the importance of rotational presidency among the six geopolitical zones to promote fairness and national unity.
Other major proposals from the region included:
- Full autonomy for local government councils, enabling them to receive funds directly from the national treasury.
- Additional Senate and House of Representatives seats for women, as well as expanded inclusion in State Assemblies.
- Rotational governorship and legislative seats within states to promote grassroots representation.
Chairman of the South-East Zonal Hearing, Senator Peter Nwaebonyi, stated that the purpose of the hearing was to capture the yearnings of South-Easterners in shaping a more balanced and functional federal system.
The public hearing was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and concerned citizens across the region.
As Ebonyi continues to play an active role in national discussions, the state’s voice in shaping Nigeria’s constitutional future remains strong and resolute.
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