The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review is set to convene this Wednesday to initiate the review and amendment process for provisions within the 1999 Constitution.
According to an exclusive report by PUNCH Online, the committee, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, will convene promptly following the House’s reconvening from the Christmas/New Year holidays.
A political ally of the Deputy Speaker, speaking anonymously to PUNCH Online, emphasized the critical nature of the agenda items, stating, The committee will hold its inaugural meeting on Wednesday.
The Deputy Speaker is keen on expediting the process as the issues slated for deliberation are pivotal for the progress of the Nigerian state.
Collaborating with state assemblies, the National Assembly aims to revisit topics such as state police, Local Government autonomy, Electoral Act Amendment, and Diaspora Voting, among others.
Each of the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory will be represented in this review process.
Despite five previous alterations to the 1999 Constitution, challenges in governance, calls for enhanced transparency and accountability, and the restructuring of the Nigerian state necessitate further amendments to the nation’s fundamental law.
Under late President Umaru Yar’Adua and the immediate past President, Muhammadu Buhari, the Constitution underwent alterations twice and thrice, respectively.
The 9th House, led by Femi Gbajabiamila, made significant strides, while the 10th Assembly is committed to advancing the constitutional amendment process.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, expressed the 10th House’s dedication to constitutional reform, aiming to provide Nigeria with a comprehensive constitution that truly reflects the will of the people.
Among the key objectives is the amendment of the Electoral Act, 2022, addressing concerns such as the real-time transmission of votes to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s viewing portal.
The House pledges to address complaints arising from the 2023 general elections and amend the Electoral Act 2022 accordingly, including provisions for diaspora voting.
