In a significant development, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has revealed that the parliament has received over 200 bills seeking amendments to the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. This announcement was made at the commencement of a 2-day retreat for members of the constitution review committee of the House, held at Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
The bills, which reflect the collective commitment to refining governance in Nigeria, cover a wide range of issues, including:
Federal Structure and Power Devolution: Addressing the distribution of power between the federal government and states.
Local Government Autonomy: Enhancing the independence and self-governance of local governments.
Public Revenue, Fiscal Federation, and Revenue Allocation: Reforming the management and distribution of public funds.
Electoral Reforms: Improving the electoral process to ensure free and fair elections.
State Creation: Considering requests for the creation of new states.
Kalu emphasized that the committee’s objective is to review these bills, incorporate input from consultants, and prioritize them based on national interest. The committee will also prepare for zonal public hearings and a joint/harmonization meeting with the Senate.
Notably, the committee has received 31 requests for state creation, but none of the applications met the constitutional requirements. The submission deadline has been extended to March 5, 2025, to enable applicants to fulfill the relevant provisions.
To ensure transparency and accountability, a situation room will be established to collate and address concerns from Nigerians during the constitution amendment process. The committee will also partner with PLAC to publish all engagements and ensure that the people are carried along.
As the constitution review process progresses, Kalu urged lawmakers to approach the task with diligence, objectivity, and patriotism. The success of this review process hinges on their collective dedication to national progress.
LV