By Mercy Gadia Adi
The federal lawmaker representating Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency from Lagos State, Honourable Kalejaye Adebayo Paul, has applauded the ongoing process for the constitutional amendment, emphasizing that the Constitution must be a dynamic document that speaks to all times and ages.
Kalejaye made the assertion in an exclusive interview while sharing insights on various national issues, including , the creation of new states, the Tax Reform Bill, and the rivers state of emergency, in his office, at the national assembly complex in Abuja.
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He emphasized that lawmakers have a crucial role in amending the Constitution to reflect the changing needs of the country and that there is no better time than now to mirror evolving the time and age.
Speaking On the viability of creating new states, Kalejaye acknowledged that there are valid arguments for and against it. He noted that proponents of state creation argue that it would address issues of marginalization and imbalance in the polity, while opponents argue that many existing states cannot survive without federal government intervention.
Kalejaye also noted that the creation of new states could bridge the gap in development and progress, but also cautioned that it could lead to further imbalances and underdevelopment if not managed properly. “Those who are due for creation of state are not senseless. They know what they are doing, and they must be encouraged,” he said.
He also emphasized that it is a necessary step to address issues of marginalization and imbalance in the polity.
“One of the major indices of creation of state is population,” he explained. “Some states are more populated than others, and yet those that are less populated have more states.”
However, the lawmaker also acknowledged the arguments against the creation of new states, citing the issue of resources and sustainability. “If the states that exist today cannot even sustain themselves in terms of the resources that can be generated on their own, and every state will have to depend on the federal system for survival, then it doesn’t make sense to create more states,” he said.
Kalejaye also expressed his support for the Tax Reform Bill, stating that it would generate more revenue for the country. citing the example of developed countries that rely heavily on taxation.
“All developed countries of the world depend on taxes to run their system, the UK, for instance, has not much natural resources, but they generate a lot of resources through taxation,” He said.
The federal lawmaker further said, by and large, his most desired wish is for judicious use of national resources, improved internal revenue generation, and effective utilization of taxes.
“What I advocate for is the judicious use of natural national resources,” he said. “It’s also to advocate for various states to look inward for generation of more internal resources, to also advocate for a better system of collection of internally generated revenue.”
The lawmaker also acknowledged the need for proper accountability and transparency in the use of tax revenue.
“We must ensure that when the tax bill is passed, it’s not only the collection mechanism that is well strengthened, but also to say that we must monitor spending,” he said.
In a related development, the President’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State has also raised concerns. Kalejaye defended the President’s action, saying it is constitutional and aimed at restoring peace and order in the state. “The President may, as it were, proclaim a state of emergency. And in proclaiming the state of emergency, the conditions are well laid out,” he explained.
“When there is a breakdown of law and order in any particular state or location, if governance is becoming difficult, the national government must intervene,” he said.
However, the lawmaker also emphasized that the House of Representatives did not just pass the emergency rule without scrutiny.
“We sat back and said, ‘Okay, if there must be emergency rule, it doesn’t have to be six months definite,'” he said. “We decided that it must not be six months definite, because if you say six months definite, it means you are not looking at peace returning to that state in less than six months.”
Hon. Kalejaye also spoke on the need for a National Peace Committee to resolve the crisis in Rivers State. “We have said that the National Committee, Peace Committee, be set up to be composed of the National Assembly and composed of eminent Nigerians who will be saddled with responsibility of making peace between the warring factors,” he said.
When asked about the constitutionality of Governor Fubara’s decision to go to court, Hon. Kalejaye emphasized that it is the governor’s human right to seek legal redress, if he so desires. “It is his right to go to court if he decides,” he said. “But don’t forget that there have been some judgments even before the state of emergency was declared, the Supreme Court has ruled that he must govern with the majority lawmakers.”
Finally, Hon. Kalejaye spoke on the recent inauguration of the Nigerian-France Parliamentary Group, which he chairs.
“It’s also to support what the executive are doing in terms of harnessing the resources that are available in other countries to see what can be done here and also tap for our own constituents,” he said.
The lawmaker emphasized that the group aims to deepen democracy and parliamentary relations between Nigeria and France. “We must have inter-parliamentary exchanges, We must learn from other countries. They must learn from us,” he said.
In conclusion, Hon. Kalejaye’s interview provided valuable insights into the complex issues facing Nigeria, from state creation to tax reform and national development. As a federal lawmaker, his perspectives on these issues are invaluable, and his commitment to serving the interests of Nigerians is evident.