…urge unity of purpose as constitution review enters decisive phase in Enugu
…as Governor Mbah call for diligent judicial, police reforms
By Gloria Ikibah 
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman House Committee on Constitution Review, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has restated that the ongoing review must produce a Constitution that genuinely reflects the aspirations and needs of Nigerians.
Kalu made the remark in Enugu on Friday at the opening of the third retreat of the Constitution Review Committee, where he urged lawmakers to approach the exercise with patriotism, discipline, and a shared sense of national purpose.
He said Nigerians were yearning for a Constitution that empowers local governments, guarantees women’s participation in governance, strengthens fiscal federalism, and ensures accountability at all levels.
“The work we do here in Enugu over the next few days will define the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy for the next generation.
“Will we be remembered as the Assembly that brought governance closer to the people, that guaranteed women’s full participation, and that restored confidence in our electoral system? These are not rhetorical questions – they are moral and political imperatives”, Kalu stated.
The Deputy Speaker explained that the Committee’s approach would be guided by three key principles — unity of purpose, legislative discipline, and national interest, and cautioned against overloading the amendment process with politically divisive proposals, urging members to focus on achievable reforms with broad public support.
“Every decision we make must be guided by one question: What is best for Nigeria?.
“Not what benefits our parties or regions, but what serves the over 200 million Nigerians we were elected to represent”, he said.
Kalu therefore called for a renewed social contract built on trust and accountability, stressing that the review process should deliver a Constitution that empowers local councils, strengthens electoral integrity, and deepens Nigeria’s democracy.
In his remarks, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, emphasised the importance of meaningful reforms in the judicial and policing systems to ensure fair justice delivery and effective law enforcement.
Represented by the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai, he argued that such reforms, if well implemented, could help tackle Nigeria’s social, political, and economic challenges.
The Governor also called for a broader national conversation on federal character and equitable distribution of resources, noting that fairness should extend beyond political appointments to include national budgeting and infrastructure development.
On security, he urged lawmakers to look beyond the establishment of state police and focus on comprehensive policing reforms.
He further proposed the introduction of ‘magistrates on call’, similar to medical professionals, to ensure timely and humane justice decisions, particularly for detainees.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s state or federal police — if we don’t fix the structure and culture of policing, we’ll keep going in circles.
“No one should spend a night in detention simply because there is no magistrate available. Justice must be swift, fair, and humane,” he said.
The Governor commended the Committee for its effort and urged members to produce reforms that reflect Nigeria’s realities and aspirations.
“Let us build a constitutional framework that not only unites us but also ensures justice, equity, and progress for all,” he added.
