By Inalegwu SHAIBU, Abuja
Senate President, Senator David Mark yesterday clarified that President Goodluck Jonathan’s signature is not required on the amendments made to the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly before it becomes law.

Senator Mark who spoke through a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Paul Mumeh said that the controversy over whether President Jonathan must sign the amendment or not is unnecessary, arguing that “By the provision of section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, the process of the Constitutional amendment begins and ends with the legislature”.

Senator Mark however added that three arms of government must work in harmony for the Constitution to be effective.
Senator Mark who also spoke on state creation said that it is the prime focus of National Assembly in the next phase of the Constitution amendment.

Senator Mark also dismissed oppositions to state creation saying that the essence of state creation is to bring government closer to the people.

The statement reads, “That some states are not doing well should not be a good reason not to embark on the exercise. Rather, we should find out why some states are not doing well and address the matter. It is my belief that it will surely bring government and development nearer to the people.”

Besides, he said a consensus of opinion based on the agitations coming from every nook and cranny of Nigeria is a clear pointer that our people desire the creation of more states.