The review committee dedicated to amending the Kano State Constitution has expressed strong opposition to several proposed changes during a consultation with stakeholders in Kano.
Led by Professor Auwalu Hamisu Yadudu, the committee specifically rejected the idea of removing labour from the Exclusive Legislative List, highlighting concerns that such a move could undermine collective bargaining rights and lead to industrial unrest.
Additionally, they dismissed the recommendation to allow diaspora voting, citing Nigeria’s current difficulties with conducting credible local elections.
The committee expressed support for independent candidacy but emphasized the need for stringent guidelines to uphold electoral integrity.
They also proposed a new revenue sharing formula, allocating 40% to the federal government, 35% to states, and 25% to local governments. In terms of horizontal distribution, they suggested dividing resources as 30% for equality, 40% based on population, and 10% each for landmass, social development, and internally generated revenue. Regarding tax derivation, the proposed split was 50% for equality, 30% for population, and 20% for the place of consumption.
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Further, the committee advocated for the establishment of state police forces in states that are willing, referencing Kano’s Neighbourhood Watch as a model.
They opposed the creation of additional states on a large scale due to economic limitations but maintained support for the possible creation of Gari and Tiga states if justified. The committee also endorsed full autonomy for local governments, including constitutional recognition.
In terms of electoral reforms, they recommended setting general elections on the 29th of May and inaugurating officials on the 1st of October .
They also called for a single, comprehensive electoral reform bill to consolidate various fragmented proposals.