Rasheeda Yahaya
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR has initiated an engagement with the Deputy Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, seeking their partnership in the ongoing constitutional review process.
In an interactive session with the Deputy Speakers in Abuja, Tuesday night, Kalu who is also the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review emphasized the importance of involving state assemblies, stating that their input is crucial for the success of the review.
He disseminated the final report of the joint committees on Senate and House on Constitution Review which also contained the amended bills to be voted on by the parliament to keep the state lawmakers informed of the joint committees’ decisions, ensuring they are also abreast of developments ahead of the debate by the members of the parliament on Thursday.
He said: “On the constitution review, we would want to partner with you. I want you to have a first hand information of what we are doing.
“Since we started this process, we’ve always asked for Houses of Assembly to be involved. We want you to be part of the process.
“We will give you copies of this and also look at the electoral act. Duplicate it and give to members ahead of time. The Senate and House have done the last joint retreat, we will now debate it before the parliament. It has been hectic but eventually we’ve done it.
“We can find a way to partner together. I believe that this structure is going to be resourceful for the growth of democracy in Nigeria.”
Earlier in their separate remarks, the Deputy Speakers of Delta and Benue Houses of Assembly, Rt. Hon.
Arthur Akpowhowho and Rt. Hon. Lami Danladi who spoke on behalf of their colleagues commended Kalu for his efforts aimed at giving the country a people-oriented Constitution.
They also commended the Deputy Speaker for championing the reserved seats bill for inclusion of women in governance.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker at the please on Wednesday laid the report of the joint committees on Constitution Review before the House.
