Reps Insist On Completing Constitution Amendment Next Year

House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has assured that it will keep to its promise of concluding the process before December 2025.

Deputy spokesman of the House, Hon. Philip Agbese, who disclosed this, also said Nigeria was blessed to have the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, as chairman of the Constitution Review Committee in the Green Chamber.

Agbese, who is also the committee’s spokesman, stated this on the sidelines of a three-day panel workshop with Justices, Judges, and Speakers of the States House of Assembly in Lagos.

During an interview on Arise TV, Agbese praised the deputy speaker for his exceptional leadership and innovative approach to the constitution review process.

The deputy spokesman said the Kalu-led committee had adopted a citizen-driven approach, engaging with various stakeholders and soliciting input from Nigerians nationwide.

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According to him, this inclusive strategy has ensured that the review process reflects citizens’ aspirations and concerns, making the Constitution truly representative of Nigerians’ collective values.

He said these efforts have enhanced the review process and fostered a sense of ownership and inclusivity among Nigerians.

“As the House Constitution Review Committee chairman, Hon. Kalu has proven to be a blessing to our great nation, demonstrating unwavering dedication and a passion for democratic growth.

“He has come up with innovative approaches and extensive engagement to help us get it right this time. We have identified some thematic areas in which Nigerians are yearning for changes to the constitution as it concerns good governance.

“We consequently identified critical stakeholders in various sectors to interface with us, provide their insight, and guide us through the process. These efforts have enhanced the review process and fostered a sense of ownership and inclusivity among Nigerians,” Agbese said.

He added that the committee has set a timeline for themselves and is aggressively working on certain areas of concern to Nigerians.

“We looked at state creation, state police, local government autonomy and contradictions in local government elections. We also touched on autonomy and funding for the judiciary.

“We are trying to amend the constitution and not create further problems for the nation,” he noted. “We want a constitution that would be as flexible as possible that would strengthen our institutions.

“We strongly believe that we can have a constitution that would not only unite us but will also give a sense of nationhood to citizens,” the lawmaker added.