During a recent joint retreat of the secretariat and consultants to the Senate and House committees on the review of the constitution, Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasized the need for synergy among the various stakeholders involved in the ongoing exercise. He highlighted the importance of effective collaboration between the consultants and secretariats of the Senate and House Committees on Constitution Review to ensure a successful outcome that aligns with the desires of Nigerians.
Kalu, who chairs the House Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, called on the stakeholders to revisit previous amendment proposals that were not approved by the National/State Assemblies or the President. He encouraged them to explore ways to reintroduce these proposals and address any concerns that led to their rejection.
Emphasizing that constitution alteration is an ongoing process that requires the involvement of all Nigerians, Kalu underscored the need to address long-standing issues such as State Police and Special Seats for Women. He commended the efforts of previous assemblies in laying the groundwork for the current review process, which saw the President assenting to 18 Constitution amendment Bills in the 9th Assembly.
Looking ahead, Kalu affirmed that members of both the Senate and House of Representatives will engage with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on various matters. He reiterated the inclusive nature of the constitutional alteration process, calling for input from all stakeholders and the general public, irrespective of their ideological leanings or beliefs.