The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called on members of the Constitution Review Committee to intensify efforts in the ongoing process of amending Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
Speaking at a high-level meeting held in Abuja, the Deputy Speaker praised the dedication of the committee members and outlined key achievements while reaffirming the importance of their work to the nation’s future.
In his opening remarks, Rt. Hon. Kalu commended the members for their diligence and patriotism, emphasizing the significance of their task. “Amending the constitution is a challenging process requiring input, consensus, and sacrifice from diverse stakeholders across the federation. Your presence here today demonstrates your unwavering dedication to this national cause,” he said.
Key Milestones and Engagements
The Deputy Speaker highlighted recent achievements in the constitution review process, including:
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- Productive engagements with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).
- Participation in the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, particularly the Southwest Zone.
“These engagements demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity, dialogue, and consensus-building as the foundation of this review process,” he noted, adding that further details on these deliberations would be shared during the meeting.
Thematic Areas for Amendment
Rt. Hon. Kalu reemphasized the committee’s focus on several critical areas of constitutional reform, including:
- Local Government Autonomy: Strengthening grassroots governance.
- Judicial Independence: Enhancing access to justice and improving judicial efficiency.
- Electoral Reform: Ensuring transparent and inclusive electoral processes.
- Security: Establishing a more localized and effective security framework.
- Devolution of Powers: Promoting equitable power distribution among federal, state, and local governments.
- Gender Equity: Advancing the inclusion and representation of women in governance.
- Fiscal Reforms: Improving revenue allocation and promoting fiscal responsibility.
- Human Rights: Strengthening the protection of fundamental rights for all Nigerians.
“These thematic areas form the foundation for creating a more equitable, just, and functional Nigeria,” he stated.
Upcoming Public Engagements
The Deputy Speaker reminded the committee of key public engagements, including the National Dialogue on Local Government and Constitution Amendment scheduled for Monday, December 2, 2024, at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. He described the event as a vital platform to refine strategies for effective local government administration. Additional engagements on tax reforms and consultations with political parties will also be held to ensure inclusiveness in the amendment process.
A Call for Determination
As the meeting progressed, Rt. Hon. Kalu urged committee members to maintain their momentum and remain steadfast in their resolve. “Let us proceed with determination, knowing that history will judge us favorably for strengthening democracy and fostering unity and prosperity for all Nigerians,” he concluded.
On behalf of the 10th House of Representatives, the Deputy Speaker extended gratitude to the committee members for their tireless efforts, expressing optimism about the successful amendment of the constitution.
