Just in: Senate rejects devolution, approves autonomy for LG’s

The several calls for restructuring hit a brick wall on Wednesday as the Nigerian Senate voted to reject a proposal to amend the 1999 Constitution to devolve more powers to the states.

Using electronic voting, 48 of 95 Senators present voted against the proposal, which had been challenged on Tuesday by Adamu Aliero, who argued it should not stand without reviewing the revenue sharing formula to give more money to states.

The Senate has voted in support of the Local Government Autonomy and areas up for amendment in the 1999 Constitution.

The Senate also voted against devolution of powers, while the Federal lawmakers have voted in favour of immunity in respect of words spoken or written at plenary sessions.

The lawmakers are also voting in favour of the amendments that the President must nominate Ministers within 30 days and attach the portfolios of the Ministers to the Senate when sending for confirmation.

The Senate voted the separation of the office of the Minister and Commissioner of Justice from the Attorney General of the Federation and of states to create an independent office of the Attorney General of the Federation insulated from partisanship.

The clause makes it obligatory for the President to deliver a State of the Nation address in a joint session of the National Assembly.