By Ekunkonye Junior, Abuja
An Nnewi in Anambra born prince, Orji Nwafor-Orizu Esq, Principal Partner at Friends Chambers, bared his mind on the proposed constitutional reforms, currently under review by the Senate Committee on Constitution Review.
The committee, led by Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, has been conducting public hearings across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Prince Nwafor – Orizu addressed few journalists to that effect in his Abuja chambers on Sunday.
On the Bill for Local Government Autonomy, Prince Nwafor-Orizu expressed concerns about the implications of granting autonomy to local governments.
“If the country is federated from the states, there can’t be another autonomy of a local government,” he said, adding that federation is from one tier to another tier; from state to federal.”
He suggested that instead of granting autonomy, local governments could receive funds directly from the federal government, which would be controlled by traditional rulers, town unions, and state assemblies, and then sent down to the communities who in turn will know what best to do with it.
Sharing his views on the State Police Bill, Prince Nwafor-Orizu supported the idea but emphasized the need for caution.
“We need state police, but something very laudable. If Nigeria gets state police, it will dismantle Nigeria Police Force,” he stated warning that state police could become a tool for governors to suppress opposition.
Prince Nwafor-Orizu disagreed with the concept of gender equity, arguing that men and women have different roles, explaining: “Men make money and go everywhere to carry blocks and cement… Women can organize money, feed the house ”
He questioned the need for gender equality in politics, suggesting that women are not being molested but rather choosing not to spend money on campaigns.
In the area of judiciary reforms, the Nnewi in Anambra born – prince proposed training and retraining and refreshing the judges, by suggesting that: “Judges should undergo training and refresher courses to improve their performance. If this is done, it will go a long way.”
Prince Nwafor-Orizu while also speaking on electoral reforms, recommended a return to Option A4 voting system, which according to him, allows both winners and losers to see the results.
He also suggested that anyone found guilty of electoral malpractices should be banned from holding office office or contesting elections for 10 years.
The Senate Committee’s public hearings aim to gather diverse perspectives on these key constitutional reforms, which are expected to shape Nigeria’s governance framework and promote democratic stability.
