Rasheeda Yahaya
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR has emphasized the need for the constitution review process to be guided by national interest, rather than individual or party interests.
He said that every article, clause, and decision made during the review process should be evaluated based on what is best for Nigeria and its over 200 million citizens.
Kalu made the submission while delivering his address at the Joint Retreat of the Senate and House Committees on the Review of the Constitution in Lagos on Friday.
The Deputy Speaker stressed that the constitution review should not also be driven by regional agendas, but a collective desire to evolve a document that will positively impact the lives of Nigerians.
He urged the lawmakers to prioritize the nation’s interests above any other consideration to ensure that the review process delivers a constitution that truly reflects the hopes and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
He said: “As we deliberate, let us stay anchored on three guiding principles: Unity of Purpose: Our political differences must dissolve here. On constitutional reform, Nigeria must speak with one voice. Only through joint resolve can we deliver amendments that command national legitimacy and bipartisan support.
“Legislative Discipline: Constitutional reform is no ordinary law-making process. It requires technical precision, sober judgment, and prioritization. Let us focus on practical, impactful amendments that enjoy broad public endorsement.
“National Interest: Every article, every clause, every decision we take must answer one question: Is this what is best for Nigeria? Not for our parties, regions, or political ambitions, but for the over 200 million Nigerians whose hopes our actions will shape.”
Kalu said that the collective aspiration of Nigerians is for the parliament to deliver a people-oriented Constitution that will guarantee justice, equity, progress and generally impact the people.
“We have listened to Nigerians from every walk of life, traditional rulers, state executives, political parties, civil society, women’s groups, youth leaders, and the
security community and faith based organizations. At every turn, the message has been clear: Nigeria
desires a people-driven Constitution that works for all.
“Let us remember that history is watching. The Constitution we seek to refine is more than a legal instrument; it is the soul of our Republic, the expression of our common destiny.
“Let the work we do here in Lagos 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 Lagos with the resolve to transform our deliberations into enduring constitutional milestones.
“Together, we can build a Constitution that guarantees justice, equity, and
progress for every Nigerian: today and for generations to come”, Kalu said.
