We Must Work Together To Get A Better Constitution – Deputy Speaker

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has said lawmakers and all critical stakeholders must work together to identify areas where the 1999 Constitution can be strengthened to better serve the needs of the evolving Nigerian nation.

Kalu stated this while declaring open a two-day retreat organised by Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Programme in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Speaker for his senior Legislative Aides, with the theme; “Synergy and Success” held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja yesterday.

The deputy speaker said his office aspires to be a hub for resolving the issues surrounding constitutional amendment through conducting thorough research and analysing the potential impact of proposed amendments.

He also said the Office of the Deputy Speaker would achieve the task by  actively engaging the public through town hall meetings, public hearings, and other avenues to gather citizen input and build consensus.

“We will work closely with legislators, civil society organizations, and legal experts to ensure that proposed amendments are well-crafted and reflect the will of the people.

“We will work hand-in-hand with the Speaker’s office to ensure the smooth operation of the House of Representatives and advance our shared legislative agenda, particularly regarding constitutional amendments.

“We will collaborate effectively with other principal officers to assist them in delivering on their mandates. By sharing resources and expertise, we can collectively enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the House.

“We will actively engage with committees to ensure they have the support they need to fulfill their oversight and legislative functions, particularly those committees with mandates relevant to amendments,” Kalu said.

He further stated that where necessary, the deputy speaker will establish productive channels of communication and collaboration with the executive branch to ensure its legislative efforts, particularly those related to constitutional amendments, align with the national interest.

The chairman House Committee on Constitution Review said through effective communication channels, town hall meetings, and constituency visits, they will actively engage with the people they represent, as understanding their concerns and aspirations is vital for informing the legislative priorities, including those related to constitutional amendments.

“By fostering a culture of collaboration across all these dimensions, we can create a truly synergistic office, well-equipped to tackle the challenges before us, particularly in the crucial arena of constitutional amendment,” he added.

In his remarks, Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Magaji Tambuwal said the retreat was to provide Senior Legislative Aides with opportunities to engage in conversations that foster intra and inter-chamber synergy in the National Assembly with the aim of achieving success, and enhance their intellectual abilities and skills for improved delivery of legislative services.

Also speaking, the director-general, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), Professor Abubakar Sulaiman, said retreat offers a veritable platform for critical introspection and reflections regarding the pivotal position of synergy to effective legislative governance.