Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has identified local government autonomy and the devolution of powers to sub-national entities as key priorities in the ongoing constitution amendment process. Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, made this disclosure on Friday while hosting a delegation from the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union Worldwide, led by its President-General, Yuccee Uwah, in Abuja.
Kalu emphasized that the constitution review aims to empower local governments to drive grassroots development. “The House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and myself as Deputy Speaker, is committed to inclusive governance, rural development, and strategic community empowerment,” he stated. “The review process is focusing on increased devolution of powers and improved local government autonomy to enable communities like Abiriba to have more direct control over their development agenda.”
He further called on rural communities to clearly identify their needs to facilitate timely responses from the Federal Government, adding that policy reforms are underway to ensure equitable access to federal infrastructure in underrepresented areas.
Addressing the delegation’s proposal for the creation of a new Abiriba Local Government Area to be carved out of Ohafia Local Government in Abia State, Kalu urged the community to adhere to the constitutional process for such requests. He assured them that following due process would ensure fair consideration of their proposal.
Earlier, Uwah appealed for Kalu’s support in advancing the creation of the Abiriba Local Government Area, noting that the proposal has the backing of traditional institutions, political leaders, and the broader Abiriba community. “Our people have endorsed and supported the proposal for the Abiriba Local Government Council of Abia State,” Uwah said.
