ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, announced over the weekend that the National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review would initiate discussions with President Bola Tinubu regarding matters under consideration for amendment.
Kalu made the statement during a retreat for the secretariat staff and consultants to the Senate and House committees tasked with reviewing the constitution.
He emphasized the need for synergy among consultants and secretariat staff to facilitate effective collaboration, ensuring the successful conclusion of the ongoing exercise.
In his capacity as Chairman of the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Kalu urged stakeholders to revisit previous proposals that were either not passed by the National/State Assemblies or were not assented to by the president. He encouraged finding ways to reintroduce these issues or develop action plans to address reservations that led to their rejection.
Kalu stressed that constitutional alteration is a continuous process involving all Nigerians, aiming to address longstanding contentious issues such as state police and special seats for women.
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He highlighted the efforts of past assemblies and expressed optimism that the current assembly would build on their legacies, citing the president’s assent to 18 constitution amendment bills in the 9th Assembly.
Kalu emphasized the importance of national engagement and conversations, inviting relevant stakeholders and the public to contribute recommendations to the review process, aligning with the evolving moral, economic, and political values of Nigerians.
Furthermore, Kalu assured that the Constitution Amendment Committee would engage traditional rulers throughout the process to leverage their invaluable contributions, strengthening the country’s constitutional framework.
During separate visits to the Emir of Kano, Dr. Aminu Ado Bayero, and the Emir of Bichi, Alhaji Nasir Ado, Kalu acknowledged the significant role of traditional rulers in maintaining peace and national unity.
He expressed gratitude for their support towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, underscoring their partnership with the federal government in fostering peace and prosperity in Nigeria.
He said: “You play a fundamental role in this nation and peace in the land. You have a role to play in making sure that we imbibe this agenda. Thank you for the support you are giving to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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“It is very obvious that you are partnering with the federal government to ensure there is peace and prosperity in this country. Keep doing what you are doing. It’s yielding fruits.” regardless of their ideological leanings or beliefs, hence, our call for Memoranda from all stakeholders and the general public.
“As experts in your various fields of endeavour, I trust your judgements and I trust that the outcome of this exercise will move Nigeria forward.
“This will no doubt empower the legislature to evolve a constitution that will address contentious issues that have bedevilled the nation since independence such as state police; local government administrative autonomy; local government financial autonomy; special seats for women in the national and state houses of assembly, expansion of the scope of citizenship by registration; Indigeneship rights.
“Affirmative action for women in political party administration; Affirmative action for women in Federal and State Executive Councils; and Electoral and Judicial Reforms, Furthermore, I have personally sponsored various Constitution (Alteration) Bills including that which is on State Police on which a National Dialogue was just concluded.
“We must evolve ingenious ways to protect and defend our citizens and cater for their welfare, in line with the sacred provisions of Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Altered).
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“The constitution amendment exercise, which is coming at a time when there appear to be agitations in the country, is expected to create a veritable platform for national engagement and conversations where relevant stakeholders and members of the public may make recommendations on the review process with the view to enacting laws that reflect the evolving moral, economic and political values of the Nigerian people.”
The Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, reciprocated the appreciation, emphasizing the importance of unity and cohesion, while pledging the institution’s unwavering support and contributions to the constitution review process.