He also announced that the review committee would complete its assignment by December, 2025. Kalu made the disclosures at the pre-inaugural meeting of the House of Representatives Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which he also doubles as the chairman.
The Deputy Speaker also said the Constitution review committee would be officially inaugurated on February 26, 2024. Recall that the House leadership recently constituted the committee for the 10th National Assembly, making it the sixth time the parliament would be embarking on amendments of the Nigerian Constitution.
The deputy speaker added that the committee would take into consideration the concerns of Nigerians and bequeath to the nation a constitution that would reflect the yearning of the people.
He added that the committee would also consider some important bills that failed to receive the needed attention in the last constitution review.
Kalu urged sponsors and promoters of the bills to ensure early and thorough advocacy on the bills.
“The Committee is fully aware of the concerns of Nigerians on the need to finalise and conclude discussions around Nigeria’s Constitution. I will like to state, however, that the nature of Nigeria’s Constitution and the history around how it was made and handed over to a new civilian government in 1999, makes it imperative for us to continually revisit the several provisions of the constitution and work towards accomplishing consensus on outstanding constitutional debates.”
Kalu highlighted the scope of reference of the committee to include the alteration of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) and other Acts that are to be altered, in accordance with Section 8 and Section 9 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Others, he said, are receiving and considering any proposal, bills for the alteration of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which may be made or referred to by the Acts, and ensuring the alterations to the constitution are passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Also, creating a forum for relevant stakeholders and members of the public to make their inputs to the constitution review process, to enact laws to improve the wellbeing and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
In addition, building a robust and collaborative relationship with the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the 36 states Houses of Assembly, whose resolutions are part of the legislative journey to the bills; liaise with relevant government agencies, civil society organisations, multilateral and supranational agencies, to achieve a wholesome amendment to the Nigeria’s constitution; and liaising with relevant government agencies, civil society organisations, multilateral and supranational agencies to ensure a wholesome amendment to the Nigeria’s constitution.