NASS Poised To Deliver People-Centred Constitution, Says Deputy Speaker

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Benjamin Okezie Kalu says the 36 State governors will be briefed on the outcome of the joint session of the Senate and the House on the Constitution review process on Wednesday.

Kalu made the disclosure while delivering his opening remarks at the 2nd joint retreat of the House and Senate Committees on Constitutional Review in Abuja.

The deputy speaker said that the parliament is poised to deliver a constitution that will meet the expectations of the people of Nigeria.

“History is watching us. The entire nation, with over 200 million Nigerians, anticipates a direction from this Assembly. Our people yearn for reforms that: Devolve power and bring governance closer to the grassroots; localize internal security through innovative approaches, like state police; empower their voices through credible elections; ensure fiscal federalism and equitable resource distribution; protect the rights and dignity of every citizen, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion; guarantee local government autonomy so that development reaches the least community.

“The Constitution we seek to refine is the soul of our Republic, the expression of our common destiny, the framework upon which the hopes and dreams of every Nigerian rest.

“Let the work we do here in Abuja reflect our shared commitment to a Nigeria that works for all. Let this retreat produce a clear, achievable roadmap; one that strengthens local governance, enhances gender balance, ensures credible elections, and secures our federation against future instability.

“As the Senate and House stand united in this constitutional review process,
let us leave this hall with the resolve to transform our deliberations into
enduring constitutional milestones.

“To the Governors whom we will brief on Wednesday: be assured that this is not an attempt to undermine executive authority; it is an effort to strengthen federalism, improve governance, and deliver the democracy Nigerians deserve.

Kalu also called on the Speakers of the State Houses of Assemblies to rise to the occasion and ensure that every amendment passes through.

Also speaking on the occasion, Deputy President of the Senate, who is also the Chairman Senate Committee on Constitution review, Barau Jibrin, affirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to delivering people-centred and timely amendments to the 1999 Constitution.

Senator Barau said the Senate aims to transmit the first set of constitutional amendment bills to state Houses of Assembly before the end of the year.

Senator Barau called on all lawmakers at the retreat to approach their work with patriotism and unity, insisting that there should be “no ‘we’ and ‘them’” and that committee members must prioritise what serves Nigerians.

The Chairman Conference
Speakers of State Legislatures and the speaker of Oyo State, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, reiterated continuous support of the state Legislatures in the ongoing constitution review

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji