By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka Abuja
The Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin-led Senate Committee on Constitution Review has been conducting public hearings across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Prince Orji Nwafor-Orizu, Principal Partner at Friends Chambers, shared his views on key bills under review.
He spoke to few journalists in his chambers over the weekend
Prince Nwafor-Orizu expressed concerns about local government autonomy, citing potential constitutional damage. “If the country is federated from the states, there can’t be another autonomy of a local government,” he said. Instead, he suggested local governments receive funds directly, controlled by traditional rulers and state assemblies. Through this way, according to him, the funds will get to the communities, who in them will know where to direct it.
On state police, he supported the idea but warned of potential risks. “We need state police, but something very laudable. If Nigeria gets state police, it will dismantle Nigeria Police Force,” he observed, cautioning against governors using state police to suppress opposition.
The senior lawyer disagreed with gender equity, arguing men and women have different roles. “Men make money, women organize it,” he said. He questioned the need for gender equality in politics.
Sharing his views on the Judiciary Reform Bill, Prince Nwafor-Orizu suggested that judges undergo training and retraining and refreshing themselves. “There is a need for training and refreshing,” he said.
While speaking on the Electoral Reform Bill, he recommended returning to Option A4 voting system and banning individuals guilty of electoral malpractices from holding public office for 10 years. “People will become afraid,” he said.
