…highlights electoral, policing, LG autonomy, and gender reforms at public hearing
By Mercy Gadia Adi
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has restated the resolve of the 10th National Assembly to deliver a people-driven constitution that captures the aspirations of Nigerians.
Speaking at the National Public Hearing on the ongoing constitutional review exercise held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Kalu described the process as the most inclusive and participatory in Nigeria’s history.
He explained that the 87 amendment proposals under consideration were products of wide consultations across the six geopolitical zones, reflecting the voices and memoranda of citizens rather than the agenda of lawmakers.
Key areas of reform highlighted include:
Electoral reforms: Independent candidacy, creation of an Electoral Offences Commission, and fixed timelines for pre-election matters to safeguard the people’s mandate.
Devolution of powers: A landmark bill to transfer policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, paving the way for state and community police.
Local government autonomy: Amendments to guarantee financial and administrative independence for local councils to strengthen grassroots development.
Gender inclusion: Reserved legislative seats for women and gender balance in government appointments.
Kalu noted that the hearing marked the final stage of direct citizen engagement before the process moves to parliamentary debates, harmonization with the Senate, and ratification by at least 24 State Houses of Assembly.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the political will and enabling environment, but stressed that ultimate authority rests with the people, whose active participation remains crucial to prevent dilution of the reforms.
The Deputy Speaker concluded with a call for unity, urging Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious divides to craft a constitution that guarantees justice, inclusivity, and progress for future generations.