ADEFARATI’S MEMBERSHIP OF CONSTITUTION REVIEW COMMITTEE SPEAKS TO THE MAGNITUDE OF HIS INFLUENCE AND CAPACITY
The House of Representatives under the speakership of Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, PhD, has move to amend the Nigerian Constitution to cater for the prevailing needs and aspirations of Nigerians, inaugurated the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
It is a known fact that the Nigerian Constitution remains the fulcrum of our democracy and stands as a testament to our collective aspirations for an inclusive, equitable and prosperous society. Hence, it is incumbent upon our legislators to ensure that our laws reflect our evolving needs and aspirations.
It is noteworthy to point out that since the inception of the Fourth Republic, our Constitution has been subjected to five rounds of amendments with remarkable changes that have strengthened our democratic institutions and elevated our democratic credentials as a nation.
Speaking at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, the Inauguration venue, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, said, “this being the sixth amendment, the 10th House of Representatives through this Committee is poised to deliver a comprehensive review yet, focusing on areas of national development such as the devolution of powers, including state policing; enhancement of fiscal federalism through local government autonomy; further decongesting the Exclusive Legislative List; and promoting inclusivity, particularly greater gender equity and women representation in appointed and elective positions”.
That Asiwaju Adegboyega Adefarati, member representing Akoko Southeast/ Southwest Federal Constituency was the preferred member from Ondo State to serve in the 37-member Committee of the House of Representatives Constitution Review attests to the magnitude of his influence, capacity and relevance in the National Assembly. The very first to chairman a House committee (Grade A) in our Federal Constituency and now the first member to serve in any Constitution Review Committee of the House of Representatives since the inception of the Fourth republic.
Adefarati must have effectively deployed his skills of negotiation and consultation to stay relevant in the politics of the National Assembly, even as a first timer.
The Scion of Adefarati political dynasty will be privileged to justify his role as a lawmaker while working with his colleagues in the Constitution Review Committee to push for landmark changes in our Constitution, particularly with regards to State police and Local Government autonomy which have direct bearing on his constituents.
As a man of influence and capacity, Adefarati is steadily proving to his constituents that he has what it takes to deliver purposeful representation. The National Assembly is not about sponsoring bills and motions that will not see the light of day. While consulting and negotiating with the relevant authorities who will be instrumental to the final assent of his bill(s), he will leave no stone unturned to make sure that it is no effort in futility like his predecessor.
Our federal constituency is indeed blessed to have an active player in the national political space.
Jide Okeowo, writer, is a former Secretary to Local Government of Akoko South West.
