Member Representing Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency, Hon (Arch) Salman Idris, has taken a bold step towards ensuring that the voices of the people of Kogi State are adequately represented in the House of Assembly. The distinguished lawmaker moved a motion on the need to restore the twelve Kogi State Constituencies suppressed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In his well-crafted motion, Hon Idris highlighted the constitutional provisions that mandate INEC to divide every state into such a number of State Constituencies as deemed necessary. He noted that Kogi State, with nine seats in the House of Representatives, should have at least 27 or 36 House of Assembly seats to reflect equal population representation.
The last review of State Constituencies in Nigeria by INEC was in 1998, resulting in the unconstitutional suppression of constituencies such as Kabba-Bunu II, Ijumu II, Koton Karfe II, Yagba West II, Adavi II, Iffe/Ogodu, Igala Ogba, Okura, Enjema, Dekina Town, Olamaboro II, and Bassa –Nge/Igbirra. This has led to a significant under-representation of the people of Kogi State in matters of governance.
Hon Idris emphasized the importance of inclusive democracy in promoting quality representation, grassroots development, and equality. He urged INEC to restore the suppressed constituencies in Kogi State to ensure that every voice is heard and accounted for in the decision-making process.
The motion received widespread support from members of the House, including Rt. Hon. Ali Abdullahi Ibrahim, Hon. Leke Abejide, Hon. Abdulanakeek A. Danga, Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem, Hon Haruna Gowon Paul, Hon. Zacharias David Idris, Hon. Aguye Suleiman Danladi, and Hon. Ozigi Muhammed Tijani, who co-sponsored the motion.
The Committee on Electoral Matters has been mandated to interface with the Chairman of INEC and report back to the House within the next 4 legislative weeks to ensure that the suppressed constituencies in Kogi State are restored.
With Hon (Arch) Salman Idris at the forefront of this crucial initiative, the people of Kogi State can look forward to a more inclusive and representative governance structure that truly reflects their needs and aspirations.
