Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria has called on the National Assembly to prioritize the collective interest of Nigerians as it continues the ongoing constitution amendment process.
In a press statement today jointly signed by National Coordinator Malam Ibrahim Abdullahi and National Secretary Dr Nasir Balogun, urged federal lawmakers to align the amendment exercise with the wishes of the people rather than personal or political considerations.
The Islamic Organisation expressed concern over what it described as provisions in the 1999 Constitution (as amended) that hinder good governance, citing particularly the joint state-local government account system.
It argued that the arrangement, under which states and local governments operate a single account for funds released through the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), has enabled many governors to exercise undue control over local government finances.
It said this practice contradicts the Local Government Autonomy Bill, which the National Assembly passed over a year ago.
It insisted that autonomy at the grassroots level would remain unachievable as long as the joint account system remains in the constitution.
MMWG called for a comprehensive review by both federal and state lawmakers with the aim of abolishing the joint account system to entrench transparency and strengthen governance at the grassroots.
The Media Group also applauded the National Assembly for recommending the scrapping of State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), describing the proposal as a necessary step toward ensuring credible local government elections.
It argued that flawed council polls have contributed to widespread underdevelopment and poverty across the country.
The Group maintained that amending the constitution to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct local government elections would deepen democracy.
While expressing openness to other items proposed for amendment, the Media Group described the joint account system and the reform of local government elections as “critical to the survival of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.”
The Islamic body further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it called his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and combating insecurity nationwide.
It urged the Federal Government to ensure that all ongoing security-related agreements with the United States of America benefit all six geopolitical zones rather than a specific region.
The Group praised the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for dismissing claims of a “Christian genocide” in the state, describing him as a patriotic leader who refused to inflame religious tensions.
It also commended Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, political scientist Prof Kayode Soremekun, and other Nigerians who criticised what they termed the United States’ misguided posture on Nigeria’s security challenges.
The Group reaffirmed its belief that President Tinubu remains committed to the socio-economic advancement of the country.
