Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin
Okezie Kalu, has revealed that 40 bills have been received for the commencement
of the 1999 Constitution review.
He also announced that the review committee would complete
its assignment by December, 2025. Kalu made the disclosures at the
pre-inaugural meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review
of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which he also
doubles as the chairman.
The Deputy Speaker also said the Constitution review
committee would be officially inaugurated on February 26, 2024. Recall that the
House leadership recently constituted the committee for the 10th National
Assembly, making it the sixth time the parliament would be embarking on
amendments of the Nigerian Constitution.
The deputy speaker added that the committee would take into
consideration the concerns of Nigerians and bequeath to the nation a
constitution that would reflect the yearning of the people.
He added that the committee would also consider some
important bills that failed to receive the needed attention in the last
constitution review.
Kalu urged sponsors and promoters of the bills to ensure early and thorough
advocacy on the bills.
“The Committee is fully aware of the concerns of Nigerians on
the need to finalize and conclude discussions around Nigeria’s Constitution. I
will like to state, however, that the nature of Nigeria’s Constitution and the
history around how it was made and handed over to a new civilian government in
1999, makes it imperative for us to continually revisit the several provisions
of the constitution and work towards accomplishing consensus on outstanding
constitutional debates.”
Kalu highlighted the scope of reference of the committee to
include the alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
(1999) and other Acts that are to be altered, in accordance with Section 8 and
Section 9 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Others, he said, are receiving and considering any proposal,
bills for the alteration of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which may be
made or referred to by the Acts, and ensuring the alterations to the
constitution are passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Also, creating a forum for relevant stakeholders and members
of the public to make their inputs to the constitution review process, to enact
laws to improve the wellbeing and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
In addition, building a robust and collaborative relationship
with the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the 36 states Houses of
Assembly, whose resolutions are part of the legislative journey to the bills;
liaise with relevant government agencies, civil society organizations,
multilateral and supranational agencies, to achieve a wholesome amendment to
the Nigeria’s constitution; and liaising with relevant government agencies,
civil society organizations, multilateral and supranational agencies to ensure
a wholesome amendment to the Nigeria’s constitution.
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