The House of Representatives has appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to reinstate what they have termed the 12 omitted constituencies in Kogi State. This appeal comes after the lawmakers reviewed and supported a motion presented by the Kogi House caucus on Wednesday. Idris Salman, representing the Ijumu/Kabba-Bunnu Federal Constituency, led the motion, citing the amended 1999 Constitution. He highlighted that each state House of Assembly should have three to four times the number of seats as the House of Representatives, distributing seats equitably based on population.
Salman referenced Section 114(1), which requires a review of state constituencies every decade, adjusting them as necessary. He reminded the House that during the gubernatorial and state Assembly elections on December 14, 1991, Kogi State had 32 constituencies where elections were conducted, and winners announced.
He further noted that, according to the amended 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, Kogi State, with nine House of Representatives seats, should have a minimum of 27 or 36 House of Assembly seats. Salman expressed concern that Kogi State was disadvantaged by the last constituency review.
The 1998 review by INEC led to the omission of certain constituencies in the Kogi State House of Assembly, he pointed out. Since then, places like Kabba-Bunu II, Ijumu II, Koton Karfe I, Yagba West II, Adavi II, Iffe/Ogodu, Igala Ogba, Okura, Enjema, Dekina Town, Olamaboro II, and Bassa-Nge/Gbirra have seen constant suppression in their representation. Salman argued that reinstating these constituencies would enhance democratic representation and grassroots development, promoting equality.
Following the motion’s approval, the House requested INEC to reinstate the constituencies and directed its Electoral Matters Committee to consult with INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and report back within four weeks.
In a similar stance, the House also urged the urgent reinstatement of the Sapele II State Assembly Constituency in Delta State, in alignment with a Federal High Court ruling and constitutional mandates, following a motion by Benedict Etanabene, representing the Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency in Delta State.
