10th NASS Committed to Constitutional Reforms

…as reps panel reviewed over 150 bills

By Gloria Ikibah

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Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has reaffirmed the 10th National Assembly’s commitment to delivering a Constitution that reflects the interests and aspirations of Nigerians.

Speaking at the close of a two-day retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, organized by the House Committee on Constitution Review, Kalu commended lawmakers for their dedication. The retreat focused on reviewing bills, incorporating expert input, prioritizing proposals based on national interest, and preparing for zonal public hearings and a harmonization process with the Senate.

As Chairman of the Committee, Kalu stressed the importance of the constitutional review process, urging members to stay resolute in their task. He expressed confidence that their collective efforts would produce a people-centered Constitution.

During the retreat, the committee reviewed, amended, and voted on over 151 bills referred by the House. These bills, grouped into key thematic areas, covered federal structure and power devolution, local government autonomy, fiscal federalism, revenue allocation, and electoral and judicial reforms.

He said, “We are so proud of you. On behalf of the Speaker, on behalf of the representatives, the leadership of the National Assembly, I appreciate you. You have not failed us.

“From the time you took on this role, we knew it was a tough task. We know as well that time is of the essence in view the fact that we want to achieve the first tranche of our job before the period of election.

“But with the kind of team spirit that we have exhibited, the kind of dedication we have exhibited, it appears to us that the destination towards realizing this is in view. This is only because we held each other’s hand, only because we believed that Nigeria could be better than we met it, only because we heard the cries of the people that we represent and we want their voices to be heard so that truly, the constitution that we want to be a people oriented constitution, as stated in the preamble of the constitution that we, the people of Nigeria, will indeed be a constitution that has the characterization of the people’s desire captured in it.

“You are the architect of the greater future of Nigeria. You are the cooks in the kitchen, baking the best Nigeria that will be better than the one we have ever seen. Don’t give up. If you don’t get weary in this work, in no distant sign, Nigerians will reap from this.

“There may be challenges along the path of achieving this, but your dedication and determination and diligence has oiled the way towards the greater heights that’s in view.

“Please let this bonding among us continue. Let us not stop at these retreat. Let us be partners in progress towards making this dream realizable. Thank you for being our partners. The Speaker and I are proud of you.”