What Gov. Otti Said About Restructuring Nigeria's Economy and Constitution - Full Details from Zonal Hearing

..... Abia Governor makes bold case for economic reform, state police, and educational rights at constitutional review forum

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has called for a restructured and inclusive economy as a critical component of Nigeria's ongoing constitutional review, warning that without bold reforms, national unity and development will remain elusive.

Speaking through his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, at the South-East Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution held on Saturday, Governor Otti urged the National Assembly to adopt people-focused constitutional changes that reflect the current realities and aspirations of Nigerians.

Governor Otti emphasized that any legitimate constitution in a pluralistic society like Nigeria must be built on the participation of all ethnic, cultural, and religious groups. He cited Abia State's model of inclusive governance, especially in resource allocation and public policy, as an example that could be replicated nationally.

In his words:

"The legitimacy of our constitution must not rest solely on legal provisions, but on the contributions, consent, and trust of all Nigerians. We must restructure our economy to unlock the full potential of every region.ÔÇØ

On State Creation and Local Government Autonomy

Otti expressed reservations about the creation of new states, warning that such moves could lead to increased bureaucracy and fiscal pressure on an already overburdened federal structure. He also cautioned against granting full local government autonomy, stating that it could result in excessive financial burdens and uncoordinated governance if not handled with proper accountability structures.

On State Police and National Security

Backing the call for state policing, Otti insisted that such a reform must come with strict constitutional safeguards, including clear guidelines for recruitment, operational oversight, human rights protections, and leadership accountability to avoid abuse of power and enhance public trust.

On Education and Sub-National Reforms

The Abia Governor further called for the constitutional entrenchment of free and compulsory basic education, stressing that education should not just be a policy but a constitutional right, backed by robust financing and quality delivery systems.

He also used Abia State's electricity reforms as a successful example of the benefits of constitutional devolution. Governor Otti revealed that, following constitutional amendments that allowed sub-national participation in the electricity sector, Abia State established the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA) and received regulatory backing from NERC, empowering the state to control its energy future independently.

National Assembly Reacts

In his address at the event, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, described the constitutional review process as a national conversation aimed at creating a modern, inclusive, and representative constitution.

He assured that the House Committee on Constitution Review, which he chairs, is committed to ensuring that every region's voice is heard and reflected in the final amendments.