The House of Representatives Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been Inaugurated.
Inaugurating the committee in Abuja, Speaker of the House, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen said the amendment would address pressing national issues and ensure that the country’s legal framework remains robust and responsive.
The Commitee is to look into various proposals and agitations for alterations and amendment of the 1999 constitution.
The Speaker, Dr. Abbas who said the amendment is the sixth since 1999, emphasized the necessity of updating the constitution to accommodate the evolving demographics and concerns of the citizens.
He urged various groups and agencies, seeking one amendment or the other and alterations in some parts of the 1999 constitution, to work closely with their representatives.
In his remarks, Deputy Speaker of the House Mr. Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the Committee, outlined key areas earmarked for amendment.
He noted that already there are about 40 bills at various stages in the National Assembly, seeking for amendment of the 1999 constitution.
“it is important to highlight the areas that are currently at the forefront based on the bill proposals we have received so
far, some of them include the establishment of state police; state access to mines; increased participation of women in politics; clear specification of the taxes/levies to be collected by each tier of government and the provision for the office of the Mayor of the Federal Capital Territory.
“Several bill proposals that were passed but did not make the President’s assent during the Fifth Constitution alterations have been brought back and they include powers to the National Assembly and State Assemblies to
summon the President and State governors, and requirements of the
government to direct policies towards ensuring the rights to food and food
security”.
“This highlights the dynamic nature of the constitution review process and its salient ness to the democratic strengthening of the country. It is important to reiterate that we are willing to accommodate more proposals to enhance our Constitution and strengthen our democracy. In addition, we await executive-sponsored bill proposals that reflect issues on the renewed hope agenda of Mr President”, Kalu said.
Kalu therefore called the citizenry to make their inputs for the overall good of the country.
Also Speaking, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio who was represented by his deputy, Barau Jibrin, encouraged the committee to ensure justice and fairness in the discharge of their duty.
He stressed the importance of open-mindedness in considering diverse perspectives to enhance the functionality of governance.
The Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria who also doubles as the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin, affirmed the commitment of state houses to ratify the proposed amendments by the National Assembly.
The Committee, comprising members from the 36 states of the Federation and the FCT has been given a 24-month timeline to engage with Nigerians and stakeholders across the nation.
Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji
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