Kano, Jigawa and Katsina States has kicked against allowing Nigerians in diaspora to vote in the country’s elections.
The states made their position known while making their presentation at the ongoing two- day zonal public hearing on the amendment of the 1999 constitution in Kano.
Jigawa State’s position was presented by the Deputy Governor, Aminu Usman, who said the state supports the creation of states and local government areas, with prominence given to traditional institution with well defined roles, given their position in shaping the socio-cultural fabric of the society.
He also highlighted on the importance of state police and the full implementation of local government autonomy and the creation of Hadeja State from the state.
Katsina State governor represented by the Wazirin Katsina, Sen. Ibrahim Ida, noted that the state has adopted the review of content of the compendium except for the diaporan voting.
He also noted that the state is advocating for full representation of each local government area at the various state Houses of Assembly accross the country, with the creation of two more states – Bayyajidda and Karaduwa States.
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The Kano State government in its submission through the Chief of Staff to the governor, Dr. Suleiman Wali, differed in their support for diaporan voting and indigenization of birthright and citizenship, while supporting the creation with Ghari and Tiga States from Kano State.
The state also added its voice to the agitation for state police, reserved seats for women and strengthening of traditional institutions and independent candidacy.
The representative of the Sokoto State could not make the state’s position known before the committee.
Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Tukur Bala, represented by a member of the House, Aminu Gidado, promised to make the state’s submission on a later date.
Meanwhile, Kaduna, Kebbi and Zamfara States were absent on the first day of the public hearing.
Earlier, while declaring the public hearing open, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibril, highlighted that the committee would not hold any preconceived opinions, but would be guided by the highest ethical standards.
He also assured of working in harmony with the House of Representatives and the state Houses of Assemby to produce outcomes that resonate with a national consensus, and prioritising citizens’interests.
