Abuja, Feb. 25, 2024 – Benjamin Kalu, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, has promised that a new constitution for the country would be ready within the next 24 months.
He made the promise on Monday at the formal inauguration of the House Committee on the review of the 1999 constitution,
Kalu, also the Deputy Speaker of the House, said the plan to get a new constitution was to give the President time to study the alterations before signing them into law away from the busy schedule of election year.
“Our constitution, the foundation of our democracy, stands as a testament to our collective aspirations for a just, equitable, and prosperous society.
“Yet, as we confront the realities of the 21st century, it is incumbent upon us to recognize the imperative for constitutional reform, to ensure that our laws reflect our people’s evolving needs and aspirations,” he said.
Kalu said the House had also received proposals for the establishment of state police, state access to mines, increased participation of women in politics, clear specification of the taxes/levies to be collected by each tier of government and the provision for the office of the Mayor of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja.
He said many of the bill proposals that were passed, but not assented to during the fifth constitution alterations, had been brought back to the current amendment.
These include the powers of the National Assembly and State Assemblies to summon the President and State governors, and requirements of the government to direct policies towards ensuring the rights to food and food security.
According to him, this highlights the dynamic nature of the constitution review process and its importance to the strengthening of the country’s governance.
Kalu said the House was willing to accommodate more bill proposals to enhance the country’s democracy. (GBN)
