Constitutional Reform Must Reflect People’s Will – Deputy Speaker Kalu (Video)

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR, has called on Nigerians, especially residents of Abia and Imo States, to take full ownership of the ongoing constitutional review process by demanding transparency, fairness, and accountability from public office holders.

Speaking on Saturday at the South-East Zonal Constitution Review Public Hearing held in Owerri, Imo State—the designated centre for Abia and Imo States—Kalu emphasized the critical role of public participation in shaping a constitution that reflects the hopes and values of all Nigerians.

“This is your Constitution. This is your moment. You are not just observers; you are stakeholders and co-authors of Nigeria’s next constitutional chapter,” the Deputy Speaker declared in a passionate appeal to participants at the event.

He urged citizens to freely share their ideas, memoranda, petitions, and aspirations, adding that the public hearings are designed to be a platform for collective national rebirth and reform. According to him, “Your robust contributions will ensure that the Constitution we produce is not just a legal document, but a social contract.”

The Owerri hearing is one of several zonal events taking place simultaneously across Southern Nigeria. A similar exercise had earlier been held in the northern region to garner nationwide input into the proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution.

Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, noted that the process is ongoing and complex, stressing that final approval would involve harmonization with the Senate and ratification by State Houses of Assembly.

He said the Committee is currently reviewing 87 constitutional amendment bills. These include critical areas such as judicial independence, electoral reforms, gender inclusivity, fiscal federalism, devolution of powers, state policing, and local government autonomy.

Kalu also made reference to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on local government elections, which has further reinvigorated the drive for grassroots autonomy.

“In line with that landmark decision, our committee has convened summits, dialogues, and stakeholder engagements to ensure inclusive reform,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership and unwavering support for the constitution reform initiative.

“Under his stewardship, Nigeria has embraced a reform-heavy agenda… President Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, his respect for the legislature’s constitutional role, and his bold strides in governance reform have created an enabling environment for this historic review,” Kalu stated.

Before the hearing commenced, the Deputy Speaker led a delegation of committee members on a courtesy visit to the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, where he formally briefed the governor on the committee’s mission in the state.

The Constitution Review Committee, inaugurated in February 2024, has since embarked on sectoral consultations with the judiciary, high-level engagements on security, gender equality, and other thematic areas critical to national development.

The public hearing in Owerri was streamed live on the Deputy Speaker’s official Facebook page as well as ABN TV’s social media platforms, ensuring broader citizen participation beyond the physical venue.

The Deputy Speaker concluded his remarks with a rousing call: “Let us rise above division, embrace our shared destiny, and build a Nigeria where justice, equity, and progress are not just ideals, but everyday realities.”