The South-West Zone of the Conference of Speakers of State Assemblies has called upon the National Assembly to enact comprehensive legislation aimed at resolving boundary disputes within Nigeria.
Chairman Adeoye Aribasoye made this appeal during the second day of the South-West Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Lagos. He highlighted the current review as an invaluable opportunity to tackle persistent conflicts arising from boundary issues.
“It is disheartening for our communities to be embroiled in boundary disputes. The Yoruba should not find themselves in conflict over such trivial matters,” Mr Aribasoye remarked. He placed responsibility on the National Boundary Commission to help address these disputes and to foster peace in the South-West.
Furthermore, he called for the establishment of state police in light of the region’s security initiative, “Amotekun,” and proposed the creation of additional states to enhance governance and promote inclusivity.
“The proposals for new states already presented to the 10th National Assembly must be expedited for consideration and approval,” he urged.
Mr Aribasoye also addressed the troubling trend of arbitrary removals of presiding officers in state legislatures, suggesting that legislative measures are needed to clarify the process and reduce such occurrences.
As the speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, he expressed concerns regarding the inauguration of elected lawmakers, citing examples of governors refusing to inaugurate opposition representatives. He posited that the clerk of the house should be constitutionally empowered to make proclamations to ensure no elected official is denied their rightful inauguration.
In response, Deputy Senate President Jubrin Barau explained that the constitution provides guidance on how assemblies should manage their proceedings, indicating that any necessary amendments should focus on house rules rather than constitutional text.
Numerous organisations, including youth, student, and women’s groups, participated in the public hearing.
