Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has stressed the crucial role of state legislators in shaping Nigeria’s constitutional future.
Kalu stated this in his opening speech at the Retreat for Speakers and Principal Officers of the State Houses of Assembly (South West Region) in Ekiti State, where he addressed the importance of proactive stances by state legislators in the ongoing constitution review process.
In a statement by his chief press secretary, Levinus Nwabughiogu,
Kalu, also the chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, highlighted the committee’s current work on 161 constitution amendment bills.
The bills cover key thematic areas such as devolution of power, judicial processes, electoral matters, state policing, gender issues, human rights, local government reform, and political economy.
He said: “Currently, the Committee is reviewing 161 constitution amendment bills across key thematic areas: devolution of power; judicial processes; electoral matters; state policing; gender issues; human rights; local government reform and political economy (revenue allocation and taxation).
“This process underscores the importance of state legislatures. When these bills are transmitted to you for approval, your proactive stance will be crucial in shaping Nigeria’s constitutional future”.
The deputy speaker also announced plans for a national dialogue on local government reform, which will focus on administrative independence, financial autonomy, accountability, and the conduct of free and fair local government elections.
He further said the committee would engage with leaders of political parties before the end of the year to garner support for the constitutional amendments.
Kalu also said the zonal public hearings are expected to kick off in January 2025, to gather regional inputs for constitution alteration bills.
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