HB: 1314 A BILL FOR AN ACT TO ALTER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, 1999, TO SUBSTITUTE THE NAMES “OKPE” AND “SAPELE” WITH “OKPE EAST” AND “OKPE WEST” RESPECTIVELY IN PART I, FIRST SCHEDULE OF THE CONSTITUTION, AND FOR RELATED MATTERS Bill Progress: Committee Stage
This Bill seeks to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, to rename and clearly delineate the areas referred to as “Okpe” and “Sapele” in Part I of the First Schedule. The substitution with “Okpe East” and “Okpe West” is to ensure alignment with the aspirations and identity of the people within these regions.
A proposed amendment, HB 1314, is set to modify the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a focus on administrative and geographical adjustments. The primary objective of this legislation is to change the names of two entities presently listed in Part I, First Schedule of the Constitution: “Okpe” and “Sapele.” The bill proposes to replace these names with “Okpe East” and “Okpe West,” respectively.
The name substitution is aimed at accurately reflecting current administrative divisions and potentially simplifying governance within the regions. By updating these designations, the bill seeks to ensure that the constitutional framework aligns with practical realities on the ground, fostering clarity in governance and administration.
The inclusion of the phrase “and for related matters” suggests that HB 1314 may also address any consequential adjustments or clarifications that arise as a result of these name changes. This could involve updates to maps, legal documents, and other official records that utilize the current names, ensuring consistency across all governmental and administrative platforms.
Lawmakers supporting HB 1314 emphasize the importance of aligning the Constitution with local administrative realities. Changing the names to “Okpe East” and “Okpe West” is seen as a step toward better representation and organization within the affected communities. This adjustment can potentially improve local governance and enhance the clarity of jurisdictional boundaries.
As the bill moves forward in the legislative process, stakeholders from various sectors, including local government officials and community leaders, are expected to weigh in on its implications. The proposed amendments may spur discussions around the importance of accurate geographical designations in the Constitution and their impact on administrative efficiency.
In summary, HB 1314 represents an administrative reform effort aimed at updating geographical designations within Nigeria’s constitutional framework. By formally changing “Okpe” and “Sapele” to “Okpe East” and “Okpe West,” the bill seeks to improve clarity and reflect current administrative divisions, ensuring that the Constitution remains relevant to the needs of the communities it serves. As discussions on the bill continue, the potential effects on local governance and community representation will be closely monitored.
