HOR Inaugurates 47-man House Committee to review the 1999 Constitution

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas has inaugurated 47 man House Committee to review the 1999 Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.

Delivering his remarks in Abuja during the inaugural ceremony and citizens’ engagement , Abbas highlighted the devolution of powers, State police, enhancement of fiscal federalism through local government autonomy as what should be considered in the Constitution review.

Others areas he highlighted include the decongestion of the Exclusive Legislative List, recognition and assigning of constitutional roles for traditional institutions and promoting inclusivity, particularly greater gender equity and women representation into appointive and elective positions.

The Speaker therefore urged the Committee to align its work with the Legislative Agenda and  revisit the issue of additional or reserved seats for women across legislative bodies, twinning in joint tickets and conferring citizenship on foreigners married to Nigerian women.

Earlier, Hon Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review disclosed that the constitution after its review will be ready for presidential assent in the next 24 months.

Kalu said the committee is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead by  leveraging the power of technology, social media, and inclusive engagement.

On his part, Chairman Conference of State Legislature of Nigeria, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin assured that the conference of Speakers will work assiduously to ratify whatever the federal legislature altered in the reviewed constitution.

Meanwhile,Nigerians were advised to actively participate in the constitutional reform process whether through public consultations,town hall meetings,online forums or other means of engagement.

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