The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has disclosed that 40 bills have already been received for the commencement of the 1999 constitution review.
Kalu, while speaking at the pre-inaugural, meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution on Wednesday in Abuja, said that the work of the committee will be completed by December, 2025.
He added that the constitution review committee will be officially inaugurated on February 26, 2024.
“It is also the view of Mr. Speaker that we set a realistic timeline that does not conflict with electoral activities which would advertently or inadvertently affect the alteration process, specifically, December,2025, the time we are looking at to conclude the activities of this committee.
“It is not out of place to guess that there is some level of fatigue in the Amendment process by some vocal sections of the populace. Whatever opinion you hold, it is important to let you know that we presently have 40 bills that are at various stages of consideration which relate to the alteration of the constitution.
“The committee will take into consideration the concerns of Nigerians and bequeath on the nation a constitution that will reflect the yearning of the people. The committee will also consider some important bills that failed to receive the needed attention in the last constitution review and the sponsors and promoters of the bills to carry early and thorough advocacy on the bills,” he said.
He added that the committee was fully aware of the concerns of Nigerians on the need to finalise and conclude discussions around Nigeria’s constitution but said the nature of Nigeria’s constitution makes it imperative to continually revisit several provisions.
Highlighting the parameters of the jurisdiction of the committee he stated that the alteration of the constitution.
Kalu harped on the need for a robust and collaborative relationship with the Senate and the 36 State Houses of Assembly, whose resolutions he said, are part of the legislative journey to the bills.
Juliet Akoje
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