In a bold and far-reaching submission at the North Central Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, the Benue South Forum has called for major constitutional reforms to promote equity, unity, and political stability across Nigeria.
The Forum’s memorandum presented by Chief Odatse-Peters Kelvin, advocated for amendments in three key areas: institutionalization of rotational governance, creation of Apa State, and constitutional immunity for first-class traditional rulers.
The Forum is urging the National Assembly to institutionalize a mandatory rotational system of governance at all levels, including the presidency, governorship, and legislative offices. The group stressed that such a framework is essential to address historical imbalances, ensure fair representation, and deepen Nigeria’s democratic culture.
According to the memorandum, “This amendment is not mere political accommodation; it is a fundamental prerequisite for addressing Nigeria’s deeply entrenched marginalization patterns and ensuring sustainable national unity.”
The Forum expressed support for the current legislative initiative to amend Sections 48 and 49 of the 1999 Constitution, which would entrench rotational representation across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones from the next legislative cycle.
Reaffirming its longstanding advocacy, the Benue South Forum also made a strong case for the creation of Apa State from the current Benue State. The proposal was anchored on factors such as economic viability, resource distribution, and proximity to governance. The Forum argued that the proposed state possesses over 15,000 square kilometers of arable land, rich deposits of minerals such as limestone, gold, baryte, and salt, a large, industrious population, and strong economic potential. According to the Forum, the creation of Apa State would not only bridge the gap in representation but also drive regional development and ease the administrative burden on Benue State.
The Forum also called for constitutional provisions that would grant limited immunity to first-class traditional rulers, shielding them from undue political interference and enabling them to function effectively in their traditional roles. It proposed that any disciplinary action against a traditional ruler should be preceded by a judicial inquiry conducted by a 15-member panel of reputable citizens, under the supervision of both state and national judicial councils. This, the Forum maintained, would preserve the dignity and relevance of traditional institutions in grassroots governance, conflict resolution, and moral leadership.
The Benue South Forum concluded its submission with a strong appeal to the 10th National Assembly to demonstrate statesmanship by adopting proposals that reflect the nation’s aspirations for fairness, justice, and unity. “We maintain unwavering confidence that the National Assembly will demonstrate exemplary statesmanship by prioritizing national cohesion and constitutional justice,” the submission read.
The Forum expressed its belief that the successful adoption of these proposals would lay the foundation for a more equitable, inclusive, and stable Nigeria.
