Hon. Kalejaiye Paul Adeboye Advocates for Constitutional Amendments and issues surrounding State of Emergency in Rivers
By Comfort Chukwukelue
In a recent interview at his National Assembly office, Hon. Kalejaiye Paul Adeboye, representing the Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos State, emphasized the necessity for ongoing constitutional amendments, the creation of new states, and addressed the recent state of emergency declared in Rivers State.
Hon. Adeboye highlighted the importance of maintaining a dynamic constitution that evolves with the nation’s changing needs. He stated, “The constitution must be a living document that speaks to all times and all ages. Its dynamism depends on lawmakers—how often and why we amend it, and to what extent.”
He further explained that the process of amending the constitution is integral to legislative duties. “As lawmakers, our role extends beyond creating new laws; we must also refine existing ones. When we reference the 1999 Constitution ‘as amended,’ it signifies our commitment to continuous improvement,” he noted.
Debating the Creation of New States
Addressing the topic of state creation, Hon. Adeboye acknowledged the complexities involved. He pointed out that one primary motivation for creating new states is to address political imbalances. “For instance, members from the South-East argue they have fewer states compared to the North, impacting their representation and resources,” he observed.
Hon. Adeboye also highlighted concerns about marginalization. “When ministerial appointments are made on a per-state basis, regions with fewer states perceive an imbalance, leading to feelings of marginalization,” he explained.
However, he also raised economic considerations. “Many existing states struggle with generating sufficient internal revenue and rely heavily on federal allocations. Creating more states could exacerbate this dependency and strain national resources,” he cautioned.
To address these challenges, Hon. Adeboye advocated for enhancing internal revenue generation and implementing effective tax reforms. He cited developed countries that rely on taxation to fund public services and infrastructure. “By improving our tax collection systems and ensuring transparent utilization of tax revenues for education, healthcare, and infrastructure, we can reduce over-reliance on federal allocations,” he asserted.
Regarding the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, Hon. Adeboye provided insights into its constitutional basis. He explained that when there is a breakdown of law and order, making governance challenging, the national government is empowered to intervene to restore stability.
He cited instances where governance in Rivers State became difficult, with a minority of lawmakers attempting to govern and issues surrounding budget presentations and appropriations. “Under such circumstances, it’s imperative to save the state from further anarchy,” he stated. 
Hon. Adeboye emphasized that the National Assembly did not approve the state of emergency without conditions. They stipulated that the duration should not be a definite six months but should end as soon as peace is restored. Additionally, a National Peace Committee, comprising members of the National Assembly and eminent Nigerians, was established to mediate between conflicting parties and facilitate a return to normalcy.
When questioned about the legality of Governor Siminalayi Fubara seeking judicial intervention against his suspension, Hon. Adeboye affirmed the governor’s right to challenge the declaration in court. However, he highlighted the complexities involved, given prior judicial rulings and the circumstances that led to the emergency declaration. He emphasized the importance of addressing governance challenges through constitutional means to uphold the rule of law.
In conclusion, Hon. Kalejaiye Paul Adeboye’s perspectives shed light on the critical issues of constitutional amendments, state creation, and the recent state of emergency in Rivers State. His insights underscore the need for dynamic governance and adherence to constitutional principles in addressing Nigeria’s evolving challenges.
