10th NASS Will Deliver People-Oriented Constitution, Deputy Speaker Promises as Reps Panel Reviews 150 Bills

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has assured Nigerians that the 10th National Assembly is committed to delivering a people-oriented Constitution.

 

Speaking at the end of a two-day retreat organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review at Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State to review bills, incorporate input from consultants, familiarize members with the bill contents, prioritize them based on national interest, and prepare for zonal public hearings and a joint/harmonization meeting with the Senate, the Deputy Speaker commended his colleagues for their dedication and hard work.

The Deputy Speaker who also chairs the Committee emphasized that the current constitution review process is crucial in achieving this goal, urging his colleagues to remain committed to the task.

 

He expressed pride in the team’s progress, stating that their collective efforts will yield a Constitution that truly represents the people’s desires.

 

The committee at the retreat reviewed, rectified and voted on over 151 bills that were referred to it by the House.

The bills, already categorized into thematic areas touched on federal structure and power devolution, local government autonomy, public revenue, fiscal federation, revenue allocation, electoral and judicial reforms.

 

Kalu said, “We are so proud of you. On behalf of the Speaker, on behalf of the representatives, the leadership of the National Assembly, I appreciate you. You have not failed us.

 

“From the time you took on this role, we knew it was a tough task. We know as well that time is of the essence in view the fact that we want to achieve the first tranche of our job before the period of election.

 

“But with the kind of team spirit that we have exhibited, the kind of dedication we have exhibited, it appears to us that the destination towards realizing this is in view. This is only because we held each other’s hand, only because we believed that Nigeria could be better than we met it, only because we heard the cries of the people that we represent and we want their voices to be heard so that truly, the constitution that we want to be a people oriented constitution, as stated in the preamble of the constitution that we, the people of Nigeria, will indeed be a constitution that has the characterization of the people’s desire captured in it.

 

“You are the architect of the greater future of Nigeria. You are the cooks in the kitchen, baking the best Nigeria that will be better than the one we have ever seen. Don’t give up. If you don’t get weary in this work, in no distant sign, Nigerians will reap from this.

 

“There may be challenges along the path of achieving this, but your dedication and determination and diligence has oiled the way towards the greater heights that’s in view.

 

“Please let this bonding among us continue. Let us not stop at these retreat. Let us be partners in progress towards making this dream realizable. Thank you for being our partners. The Speaker and I are proud of you.”