…as Reps Panel Reviewed Over 150 bills
By Mercy Gadia Adi
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has assured Nigerians that the 10th National Assembly is committed to delivering a people-oriented Constitution.
This assurance was given at the end of a two-day retreat organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, which Kalu chairs.
The retreat aimed to review bills, incorporate input from consultants, familiarize members with the bill contents, prioritize them based on national interest, and prepare for zonal public hearings and a joint/harmonization meeting with the Senate.
During the retreat, the committee reviewed, rectified, and voted on over 151 bills referred to it by the House, categorized into thematic areas such as federal structure and power devolution, local government autonomy, and electoral reforms.
Kalu commended his colleagues for their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the importance of delivering a Constitution that truly represents the people’s desires. He expressed pride in the team’s progress, stating that their collective efforts will yield a people-oriented Constitution.
“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,” Kalu said.
“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… 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.”
Kalu urged his colleagues to remain committed to the task, emphasizing that their dedication and determination have paved the way for a greater future for Nigeria.
“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.
“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 retreats. 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 Don’t give up,” he said.