By Mercy Aikoye
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called on leaders and stakeholders to deepen democracy and promote national development. He emphasized the need for broad consensus and collective action to address Nigeria’s challenges.
Kalu made this call during a House Committee on Constitution Review session in Abuja. He stressed that constitutional amendments must have the buy-in of all stakeholders to be legitimate and effective.
The Deputy Speaker highlighted key areas of focus for the constitutional review. These include guaranteeing women’s representation in legislative houses, granting financial autonomy to local governments, and streamlining the electoral process.
Kalu emphasized that these reforms are not partisan issues, but Nigerian issues that require collective action. “We all want a Nigeria where elections are free, fair, and credible,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker urged stakeholders to engage with the proposed amendments and bring their concerns and suggestions to the table. “This is not the end of the conversation; it is the beginning,” he said.
Kalu expressed gratitude to the Committee members for their tireless efforts in ensuring an inclusive process. He called on all stakeholders to work together to build a Constitution that reflects the hopes and aspirations of all Nigerians.
The constitutional review process requires a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly and the approval of at least two-thirds of State Houses of Assembly. Kalu emphasized that the amendments will only become law if they command broad, cross-party support.
“We must give women their rightful place in governance, empower local governments, and make our elections credible,” Kalu said. He urged stakeholders to work together to build a Constitution that truly reflects the hopes and aspirations of all Nigerians.
