Senator Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi, who serves as the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and represents Ebonyi North, has dismissed recent calls by a group identified as the Patriots to scrap the 1999 Constitution, describing the demand as unnecessary.
Speaking during a live session on Arise TV Prime Time on Thursday night, the senator acknowledged that although the constitution has military origins, several parts of it remain relevant. He stressed that citizens have the right to express their views and propose changes where necessary.
Nwebonyi, who also chairs the South East Zonal Public Hearing on Constitutional Amendment held on the 4th and 5th of July, 2025, said the hearing received key proposals from the zone.
These included requests for state police, creation of new states, and transfer of more powers from the federal to state governments.
He insisted that the South East zone stands out in its legitimate demand for a new state to bring it on equal footing with other regions that have six or seven states each. He urged other zones to support this push in the interest of balance and fairness.
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Nwebonyi expressed firm backing for the introduction of state police, resource control, and greater autonomy for states.
Using solid minerals as an example, he argued that states should be allowed to oversee and profit from the natural resources within their territory, while remitting taxes and royalties to the federal government. He said this approach could strengthen the national economy.
The senator also revealed that the National Assembly will conduct a joint public hearing to gather nationwide input on proposed amendments.
He voiced confidence that the reviewed constitution will ultimately secure the President’s approval.