The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review has attributed the significant progress recorded in the ongoing amendment exercise to the leadership acumen of its Chairman, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, and the steadfast commitment of committee members.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday, the Committee’s spokesperson, Hon. Philip Agbese, praised the Deputy Speaker for his intellectual depth, inclusiveness, and vision, describing him as a “brilliant reformer whose leadership has inspired confidence in the Constitution Review Committee.”
Agbese noted that the House, under Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, was determined to deliver a people-oriented constitution that reflects the aspirations of Nigerians across regions and social classes.
“Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s brilliance, foresight, and managerial competence have been the major driving forces behind the massive progress we’ve achieved so far.
“From day one, he set a clear roadmap, built consensus across party lines, and ensured that every member of the committee is meaningfully engaged in the task of giving Nigeria a workable constitution.
“So, far, the Committee has been able to meet the timelines set for the delivery of its assignment,” he said.
The lawmaker, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, highlighted the seriousness and collaboration that have defined the committee’s work.
“Our members are fully committed and patriotic in their approach. Everyone understands the weight of the responsibility we carry on behalf of Nigerians. The robust participation we’ve witnessed from lawmakers, experts, civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic community, political parties and citizens alike, has been unprecedented,” he said.
According to Agbese, the committee has received hundreds of memoranda from stakeholders including state governments, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, and professional bodies. The memoranda addresses key areas such as devolution of powers, special seats for women in parliament, state police, gender equality, and electoral reforms, among others.
He added that the committee’s state, zonal, and national public hearings as well as technical sessions were designed to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and broad-based input from Nigerians.
“Deputy Speaker Kalu has shown exceptional leadership by ensuring that this process is not Abuja-centered. Nigerians from every part of the country have had the opportunity to make their voices heard. This is why there is renewed public confidence in the Constitution Review process,” Agbese said.
He assured that the committee would sustain its momentum and deliver a comprehensive report that will stand the test of time, noting that the next phase will focus on harmonising inputs from various legislative proposals before the final report is laid before the House for voting.
“Our goal is to give Nigerians a constitution that truly works for them a document that deepens democracy, promotes equity, and strengthens national unity,” Agbese emphasised.
He also commended Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for providing institutional support and lauded the synergy between the leadership of both chambers of the National Assembly, describing it as a major factor behind the success achieved so far.
“With the kind of leadership and dedication we have seen, Nigerians can be hopeful that this constitution review will not go the way of the previous ones. It will be one that leaves a lasting legacy,” Agbese said.
It would be recalled that on September 22, the Constitution Review Committee held a national public hearing in Abuja as part of its ongoing efforts to gather inputs from Nigerians and key stakeholders in the constitution review process.
Constitution Review making steady progress under Kalu – Agbese