The Rivers State Government has called for the establishment of state police, full local government autonomy, increased inclusion in governance, and the creation of additional states and local councils.
The demands were presented during the South-South zonal public hearing on the constitutional review exercise, organised by the National Assembly over the weekend in Cross River State.
Speaking on behalf of the Rivers State administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas, Mrs. Vera Sam-Dike expressed the state’s endorsement of 73 constitutional amendment bills. These include proposals on electoral reforms, judicial restructuring, devolution of powers, and measures aimed at promoting inclusive governance.
“We support resource control because it promotes inclusiveness, peace, economic growth, and national unity,” Sam-Dike stated. “We also back state police, women’s inclusion, disability rights, recognition of traditional institutions, and the creation of more states and local governments.”
She stressed the importance of decentralising the nation’s security framework in light of growing challenges across the country. “The national security structure is overstretched. State policing is not just logical, it’s essential. States understand their terrain better and can act more swiftly to protect their citizens,” she said.
