. NASS to consider LG autonomy, Mayor for Abuja, gender bills, others in 24 months
From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has said the parliament would emphasise inclusivity and transparency, as well as collaboration in the review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Abbas stated this, yesterday, during the inauguration of the House of Representatives Special
Committee on Constitution Review. He said the parliament would work closely with the
executive arm of government at the federal and state levels to ensure that the process is
comprehensive.
Benjamin Kalu is chairman of the committee, the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere is deputy
chairman while the Zonal Caucus Leaders would serve as advisory members to the committee
on issues relating to their respective zones.
The constitution review which is expected to be completed within the next 24 months would
focus on state police, creation of the office of mayor for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),
Abuja, local government autonomy, and special parliamentary seats for women, among others.
The speaker, who stated that the parliament was eager to complete the constitution review in
good time, said the National Assembly would involve the state Houses of Assembly in the
process in order to foster consensus and expedite the adoption of the proposed alterations by
the state legislature.
“The process will be deeply rooted in engaging with the Nigerian people at all levels, including
traditional and religious institutions, pressure groups, and trade unions, ethno-religious
organisations, the diaspora community and much more.
“We intend to harness the inputs of all Nigerians at the level of senatorial districts through open
forums, public consultations, and digital platforms, ensuring that every voice is heard and
considered.”
Abbas, while recounting the successes recorded by past constitution alterations exercises, said
the current review, the sixth, would focus on “devolution of powers, including state policing;
enhancement of fiscal federalism through local government autonomy; further decongesting the
Exclusive Legislative List; recognising and assigning constitutional roles for traditional
institutions; and promoting inclusivity, particularly greater gender equity and women
representation into the appointive and elective positions.”
Consequently, the speaker admonished members of the committee as well as Nigerians not to
shy away from the complexities and the debates that will arise during this process. He “Instead,
let us embrace them as vital components of a vibrant democracy. The discussions and
disagreements are not signs of weakness, but rather indications of our strength and diversity.
They remind us that we are a nation of many voices, each with something valuable to contribute
to our collective future.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, Kalu said the panel would work assiduously to deliver on its
assignment within the next 24 months.
“From this inauguration day onwards, I am proud to announce that we will work diligently to
deliver on our assignment within the next 24 months, and we wholeheartedly seek the
cooperation and support of all Nigerians. This ambitious timeline not only reflects our
commitment to expeditiously address the pressing issues outlined in the proposed bills, but also
allows Mr. President sufficient time to attend to the alterations for assent away from the busy
election preparation times.”
He stated that in the discharge of its assignment, the Committee would ensure “that every voice
is heard, every perspective is considered, and every citizen is empowered to participate in the
shaping of our nation’s future.”
He noted that already the House has received proposals for establishment of state police, state
access to mines; increased participation of women in politics; clear specification of the
taxes/levies to be collected by each tier of government and the provision for the office of Mayor
of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.
Besides, he assured that the committee would consider some proposals passed in the last
constitution review exercise, but were not assented to by the President.
“It is important to reiterate that we are willing to accommodate more proposals to enhance our
constitution and strengthen our democracy. In addition, we await executive-sponsored bill
proposals that reflect issues on the renewed hope agenda of Mr President,” Kalu added.
Also, the Chairman of Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin,
while speaking at the event, said the state assemblies were committed to ratifying the
constitution alterations bills, as soon as the National Assembly was done with them.
Ogundoyin, who is also the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, thanked the National
Assembly for engaging with the state legislature earlier enough.
He said: “I assure you that through the conference of speakers that all the states will work to
ratify the documents once they are passed by the National Assembly.”
Nevertheless, Ogundoyin said that the debate on the review of the Constitution would continue
until the country gets it right. He noted that it is also imperative for states to take charge of
certain issues affecting them, which are currently in the Exclusive Legislative List.