The 10th National Assembly is poised to produce a constitution that will take into cognizance the collective aspirations of Nigerians, shape, unite, and accelerate the development of the country. This assurance was given by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, at the beginning of a 2-day retreat of the House of Representatives Committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution.
The Committee has received 305 proposals from Nigerians and 112 bills on various national issues, including local government autonomy, judiciary, electoral matters, state police, gender, human rights, and others. The 36 Speakers of State Houses of Assembly and the government of Akwa Ibom State have also declared their support for the establishment of state police, resource control, decentralization of power, and other national issues.
Akpabio urged federal lawmakers to be thorough in the ongoing review of the constitution, stressing that every bill and proposal must receive the needed consideration. He emphasized that the time has come for Nigerians to take their destiny into their hands and shape the future of the country through legislation.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, highlighted the areas of top priority in the review process, including local government autonomy, judiciary, electoral matters, state police, gender, human rights, and others. He explained that the amendment of the Constitution is imperative to conform to the wishes of Nigerians and to meet up with the present economic realities.
The Committee has undertaken various activities, including public engagements, to ensure a thorough review of the Constitution. The retreat is expected to receive reports from experts/consultants on appraisal of previous constitution amendment bills and stimulate discussions on the bills and memoranda received.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, also gave his support for the establishment of state police and devolution of powers. The Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, emphasized the need for state police, local government autonomy, resource control, and revenue allocation, among others.
The retreat is a significant step towards achieving a more united and prosperous Nigeria, and the Committee is committed to ensuring that the voices of Nigerians are heard and reflected in the Constitution.
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