Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has reassured Nigerians that the 10th National Assembly remains dedicated to delivering a people-oriented Constitution.
Speaking at the conclusion of a two-day retreat organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Kalu emphasised the importance of the ongoing review process. The retreat was aimed at reviewing bills, incorporating expert input, familiarising committee members with the bill contents, prioritising them based on national interest, and preparing for zonal public hearings as well as a joint harmonisation meeting with the Senate.
Commending his colleagues for their dedication, Kalu, who also chairs the committee, underscored the significance of their collective efforts in shaping a Constitution that truly reflects the aspirations of Nigerians.
During the retreat, the committee reviewed, rectified, and voted on over 151 bills referred to it by the House. These bills, categorised into thematic areas, covered issues such as federal structure and power devolution, local government autonomy, public revenue, fiscal federalism, revenue allocation, as well as electoral and judicial reforms.
Expressing pride in the committee’s progress, 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 of 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.”
Kalu urged his colleagues to maintain their commitment and unity, assuring them that their efforts would ultimately benefit the nation.
