House Deputy Speaker Calls for Collaboration on Constitution Review

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, emphasized the need for collaboration among consultants and secretariats of the Senate and House Committees on Constitution Review.

He made this call during the joint retreat of the secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House committees on the review of the constitution over the weekend. Kalu, who chairs the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, stressed that effective synergy is crucial to drive the ongoing exercise to a successful conclusion.

He urged stakeholders to revisit previous amendment proposals that were not passed by the National/State Assemblies or were not assented to by the President. Kalu encouraged them to consider reintroducing these issues and develop action plans to address reservations that led to their rejection, ensuring alignment with the desires and aspirations of Nigerians.

He reminded them that the constitutional alteration is a continuous process and must involve all Nigerians to empower the legislature to evolve a constitution that will address contentious issues that have bedeviled the nation since independence such as State Police, Special Seats for Women among others.

While noting that the 10th Assembly is building upon the legacies of the previous Assemblies that did a comprehensive work, which resulted in the President’s assent to 18 Constitution amendment Bills in the 9th Assembly, Kalu hailed the stakeholders for the “national sacrifice” and patriotism.

He assured that the committee members in both the Senate and House of Representatives will engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on different issues.

“As you are all aware, constitutional alteration is a continuous process and must involve all Nigerians regardless of their ideological leanings or beliefs, hence, our call for memoranda from all stakeholders and the general public,” he added.