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…as Abbas vow swift consideration, prompt transmission to State Assemblies for adoption

…constitution review must reflect will if the people – Kalu

By Gloria Ikibah

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to far-reaching constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening national institutions, promoting justice, and safeguarding fundamental rights.

The President also appealed to Nigerians to take active part in the ongoing constitutional review process, describing it as a historic opportunity to entrench good governance, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

President Tinubu who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, at the National Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in Abuja on Monday, described the review exercise as a “golden opportunity” to deepen democracy and advance nation-building.

He commended the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, chaired by Deputy Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, for establishing an inclusive platform that engages citizens, civil society, political parties, professional bodies, and traditional institutions in shaping the nation’s supreme law.

“The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. It is not static, but a living document that must continually respond to the realities, aspirations, and challenges of our people.

“I urge all participants to approach this exercise with a spirit of patriotism, responsibility, and constructive dialogue. The quality of ideas generated here will go a long way in shaping the laws and institutions that will serve generations yet unborn,” Tinubu stated.

The President stressed that the ongoing reforms align with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, was designed to deliver good governance, social justice, and economic transformation across the country.

He assured Nigerians that his government would back every effort that strengthens participatory democracy and enhances national unity.

“I wish the Committee and all stakeholders fruitful deliberations, and I assure you that the outcome of this process will receive the deserved attention as part of our collective quest to build a stronger, more united, and prosperous Nigeria,” he added.

In his remarks, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, declaring the hearing open, described the exercise as “a significant moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey”, emphasising that the constitution must ultimately reflect the will of the people.

He further pledged that the process would not be weighed down by delays, promising that amendments would be swiftly considered by the National Assembly and promptly transmitted to State Assemblies for adoption.

He said: “Reform delayed is reform denied, and Nigerians deserve clarity and closure.

“We intend to vote on the proposals expeditiously and give the States enough time to deliberate and endorse the people’s will”.

The Speaker highlighted several transformative amendments under consideration:

Reserved seats for women in the National and State Assemblies, aimed at accelerating gender inclusion and addressing Nigeria’s dismal five percent female representation in parliament.

Guaranteed representation for persons with disabilities, alongside gender quotas in ministerial appointments.

Formal advisory roles for traditional rulers in peacebuilding and community security.

He argued that such reforms would make Nigeria’s democracy more representative, responsive, and just.

Speaker Abbas further noted that many proposals align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, providing the “legal chassis” for reforms in security, economic revitalisation, inclusivity, and transparent governance.

Deputy Speaker, Rep Benjamin Kalu, who chairs the Constitution Review Committee, highlighted the extensive consultations that shaped the ongoing amendment process.
He revealed that the committee had collated 87 amendment bills drawn from nationwide public hearings, memoranda, and regional engagements.

Among the most significant proposals are electoral reforms, including provision for independent candidacy, the creation of an Electoral Offences Commission, and strict timelines for resolving pre-election disputes.

Another landmark proposal is the devolution of powers, with a bill seeking to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, effectively opening the door to state and community policing.

Local government autonomy also features prominently, with measures designed to guarantee financial and administrative independence for grassroots governance.

Kalu stressed that these were not impositions by lawmakers but rather “the thought-out demands and memoranda of the Nigerian people themselves.”

“The ultimate authority for this process resides with you, the sovereign people of Nigeria,” he said. “Constitutional reform is a marathon, not a sprint. Your continued engagement is crucial to see this through.”

The Leadership of the 10th House assured citizens that the amendment exercise would remain transparent, inclusive, and free from political interference, and vowed that a harmonised draft of the proposals would be published ahead of voting in plenary.

Leaders of the National Assembly have urged Nigerians to stay actively involved in the constitution review process by engaging their representatives at both federal and state levels, warning against complacency that could see hard-fought reforms diluted or abandoned.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas appealed to a broad range of stakeholders, from civil society organisations and labour unions to traditional rulers, youth groups, women, and the media — to put forward clear and practical proposals at the hearings.

“By improving our constitution, we write a new chapter in our national story. Let it be remembered that we chose courage over caution, unity over discord, and posterity over short-term politics,” Abbas declared.

The hearing represents the final round of public consultations before the National Assembly begins formal voting on 87 proposed amendments.

If these amendments secure passage and be ratified by at least 24 State Houses of Assembly, Nigeria could be on the brink of its most far-reaching constitutional reform since 1999, one that promises to reshape governance, strengthen security, broaden inclusivity, and entrench democratic accountability for future generations.