…Promise To Deliver in 24 Months
The 10th House of Representatives has inaugurated its Committee on Constitution Review headed by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu.
The inauguration was attended by the leadership of both Chambers of the National Assembly, some members of the states House of Assemblies, traditional rulers, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other Nigerians.
In his address at the occasion held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Monday, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Abbas Tajuddeen said, they expect the Sixth Alteration under the 10th National Assembly to be the most comprehensive.
He therefore noted that, the task before the Committee is profound and challenging saying that, the House Agenda is ambitious in its scope and encompasses wide-ranging issues that are important to national growth.
He said, “Among these are: devolution of powers, including state policing; enhancement of fiscal federalism through local government autonomy; further decongesting the Exclusive Legislative List; recognising and assigning constitutional roles for traditional institutions; and promoting inclusivity, particularly greater gender equity and women representation into appointive and elective positions.
“Regarding the latter, I implore this Committee to align its work with the Legislative Agenda. I urge you to revisit the issue of additional or reserved seats for women across legislative bodies, twinning in joint tickets and conferring citizenship on foreigners married to Nigerian women.
“Other critical areas for your consideration include implementing comprehensive electoral reforms to address the gaps identified in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections; strengthening the enforceability of legislative instruments; and institutional strengthening for greater accountability, among others.
“These areas are crucial for reinforcing our democracy and ensuring that the governance structure meets the needs and aspirations of all Nigerians. Several Bills have already been introduced in both the Senate and the House, touching on some of these very important issues”.
He said the Committee will ensure inclusivity, transparency, and collaboration in the discharge of its responsibilities.
He added, “From the onset, we shall work closely with the Executive arm (both at the Federal and sub-national levels). This partnership stems from recognising their pivotal role in governance, ensuring that our review process is comprehensive and considers the practical aspects of implementation.
“Equally, the process will involve State Houses of Assembly to foster consensus and expedite adoption by States. But more importantly, the process will be deeply rooted in engaging with the Nigerian people at all levels, including traditional and religious institutions, pressure groups and trade unions, ethno-religious organisations, the diaspora community and much more.
“Your insights, experiences, and aspirations will be the cornerstone of this review. We intend to harness the inputs of all Nigerians at the level of senatorial districts through open forums, public consultations, and digital platforms, ensuring that every voice is heard and considered”.
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu who is also the Chairman of the Committee reiterated their commitment to provide a reviewed document that will address most of the agitations and yearnings of Nigerians.
He said, the nation’s Constitution is the foundation of its democracy and stands as a testament to the collective aspirations of its citizens for a just, equitable, and prosperous society.
He added, “Yet, as we confront the realities of the 21st century, it is incumbent upon us to recognize the imperative for constitutional reform, to ensure that our laws reflect our people’s evolving needs and aspirations.
“As James Madison, the “Father of the American Constitution,” once eloquently stated, “The Constitution of a Republic … ought to contain within itself provisions for its own improvement as time and circumstance may require.”
“Heeding this wisdom, we must embark on this reform journey with open minds and hearts, acknowledging the dynamic nature of our society and the need for our governing document to adapt accordingly.
“This highlights the dynamic nature of the constitution review process and its salientness to the democratic strengthening of the country.
“It is important to reiterate that we are willing to accommodate more proposals to enhance our Constitution and strengthen our democracy. In addition, we await executive-sponsored bill proposals that reflect issues on the renewed hope agenda of Mr President”.
Traditional rulers which include the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar and Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse lamented that, traditional rulers have been relegated to the background and stripped of their roles in the 1999 Constitution.
They therefore called on the National Assembly to consider giving the back their roles which they said, had helped in having a sane, just and crime free communities in the past through effective leadership style that checkmates excesses and lawlessness.
Similarly, stakeholders have also advised the National Assembly to avoid past pitfalls which led to the failure to persuade the President to asset to very important bills.