Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
A motion to designate South-East as the Judicial capital of Nigeria has suffered a set back as the Abia State House of Assembly failed to adopt a common position on it.
Some members of the House, while contributing on the motion, observed that it would first require an amendment of the 1999 Constitution.
Others argued that it would involve the inputs of others states in the region.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon.Emmanuel Emeruwa, said “the motion is a little bit complicated and a little hard for the layman to understand.”
Sponsor of the motion, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe representing Bende North state constituency, had during a plenary session on the floor of the House, urged the Federal Government to designate South-East as Nigeria’s judicial capital.
He argued that the motion, if adopted, would help to foster national unity.
The lawmaker cited several countries like South Africa, Sri Lanka, Benin, Bolivia, Chile, Cote d’ Voire, Georgia, Malaysia, Netherlands and Swaziland with multiple capitals.
According to him, the step will help fast- track development and most especially, engender national integration and unity.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP lawmaker said that South Africa has the following capitals: Pretoria (executive) capital, Cape Town (legislative) capital and Bloemfontein (judicial) capital.
Ibekwe argued that whereas Abuja and Lagos are known as federal and economic capitals of the country respectively, “there is need for a judicial capital in South-East.”
He further argued that the motion aligned with the objectives of the National Orientation Agency in mobilising citizens to act in ways that promoted peace, harmony and national development.
Ibekwe urged House of Assemblies in the South-East to also pass similar motions.
The lawmaker urged South-East Governors and federal appointees from the zone to pursue the agenda vigorously.
