We Will Amend Constitution In Two Years – Deputy Speaker Kalu

Deputy speaker and chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Benjamin Kalu said the panel would work assiduously to deliver on its assignment within the next 24 months.

Kalu stated this at the inauguration of the committee on Constitution Review Monday in Abuja.

According to him, “From this inauguration day onwards, I am proud to announce that we will work diligently to deliver on our assignment within the next 24 months, and we wholeheartedly seek the cooperation and support of all Nigerians.

“This ambitious timeline not only reflects our commitment to expeditiously address the pressing issues outlined in the proposed bills but also allows Mr. President sufficient time to attend to the alterations for assent away from the busier election preparation times.”

Kalu stated that in the discharge of its assignment, the Committee would ensure “that every voice is heard, every perspective is considered, and every citizen is empowered to participate in the shaping of our nation’s future.”

The deputy speaker noted that already the House has received proposals for 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 (FCT) Abuja.

Besides, he assured that the committee would consider some proposals passed in the last Constitution review exercise but were not assented to by the President.

“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 further stated.

Also, the Chairman of Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, while speaking at the event, said the state assemblies are committed to ratifying the Constitution alterations bills, as soon as the National Assembly is done with them.

Ogundoyin, who is also the speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, thanked the National Assembly for engaging with the state legislature earlier enough.

He said “I assure you that through the conference of speakers that all the states will work to ratify the documents once they are passed on by the National Assembly.”

Nevertheless, Ogundoyin said that the debate on the review of the Constitution would continue until the country gets it right.

He noted that it is also imperative for states to take charge of certain issues affecting them, which are currently in the exclusive legislative list.