From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said the House is considering no fewer than 86 proposed legislations seeking to alter the 1999 Constitution.
Kalu, who disclosed this, at a press briefing, in Abuja, said the constitution alteration bills have been summarised in a compendium, which will be presented to Nigerians during public hearings in 12 centres across the six geo-political zones.
The deputy speaker explained that the 86 bills cover 13 thematic areas including including Electoral Reforms, Judicial Reforms, Legislature, Inclusive Governance, Security and Policing, Devolution of Powers and Strengthening of Institutions.
Others are Traditional Institutions, Fiscal Reforms, Citizenship and Indigeneship, Fundamental Human Rights, Local Government Reform and Creation of States and Local Government Areas.
Kalu, while stating that the zonal public hearings are aimed at getting the input of Nigerians on the proposed legislations said the feedback from the public will guide the lawmakers in the consideration of the bills.
According to him, “86 Constitution Review Bills currently under consideration in the House will be presented to the general public in form of a compressed compendium consisting of a collation of explanatory memoranda, long titles and a comprehensive exposé of the Bills for their inputs.
“The Bills, sponsored by members of the House, represent legislative efforts aimed at addressing various developmental challenges affecting governance practices in Nigeria.
“The purpose of the summarized compendium are to present the Compendium as reference material to all stakeholders and members of the public during the Zonal Public Hearings, thereby enabling them to understand the legislative proposals; facilitate public engagement by allowing citizens to seek clarifications, critically examine the Bills based on their subject matter, and contribute through constructive input.
“This will help guide their legislative actions and inform their decisions when the Bills are brought up for voting; provide feedback to members of the public who submitted memoranda, informing them whether and how their concerns have been addressed in the proposed amendments.
“The House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is committed to ensuring broader participation by Nigerians and other critical stakeholders in the ongoing process of amending the Constitution. To achieve this, we will be embarking on zonal public hearings in 12 centers across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.”