Reps Move Closer to Constitution Amendment as 44 Bills Reach Final Stage
The House of Representatives on Thursday announced significant progress in the ongoing Constitution review process, with 44 harmonised amendment bills now ready for consideration and voting.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, House Spokesman, Hon. Akin Rotimi said the 10th Assembly is committed to regular public engagement and transparency as it carries out what he described as one of its most important national duties.
Rotimi explained that the Constitution review exercise, now in its sixth alteration began early in the life of the Assembly to ensure that lawmakers have enough time to complete multiple phases before the end of their tenure.
He noted that the review is traditionally chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, with the House Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, serving as deputy chairman. The committee, he said, has received a large volume of inputs from Nigerians and lawmakers.
“At a point we had over 350 bills and memoranda submitted by members and the general public,” Rotimi said. “These went through extensive scrutiny, public hearings, committee work, and harmonization before being streamlined to the current 44 bills.”
He revealed that the House and Senate have already harmonised their versions of the proposed amendments to ensure smooth passage.
The Senate Committee on Constitution Review is chaired by Senator Jubrin Barau, with Majority Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele serving as deputy.
The amendment bills cover major areas such as local government autonomy, devolution of powers, electoral reforms, judicial reforms, fiscal federalism, human rights, traditional institutions, state police and strengthening of democratic institutions.
Rotimi added that although lawmakers wanted to begin consideration of the bills last week, members asked for more time to consult with their constituents and stakeholders before voting.
He was accompanied at the briefing by the Clerk of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Wale Babasheun and his deputy, Mrs. Latifa Faladi
Rotimi assured Nigerians that the process remains open and ongoing, with additional amendment bills expected before the end of the 10th Assembly.
“We are determined to deliver a Constitution review that reflects the true yearnings of Nigerians,” he said.
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