Constitution Review: Deputy Speaker, Kalu Seeks Partnership with State Assembly Deputy Speakers

….As Benue Deputy Speaker Renew Calls For Passage Of Reserved Seats For Women Bill

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu,  has initiated an engagement with the Deputy Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, seeking their partnership in the ongoing constitutional review process.

In an interactive session with the Deputy Speakers in Abuja, Kalu who is also the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review emphasized the importance of involving state assemblies, stating that their input is crucial for the success of the review.

He disseminated the final report of the joint committees on Senate and House on Constitution Review which also contained the amended bills to be voted on by the parliament to keep the state lawmakers informed of the joint committees’ decisions, ensuring they are also abreast of developments ahead of the debate by the members of the parliament.

He said: “On the constitution review, we would want to partner with you. I want you to have a first hand information of what we are doing.

“Since we started this process, we’ve always asked for Houses of Assembly to be involved. We want you to be part of the process.

“We will give you copies of this and also look at the electoral act. Duplicate it and give to members ahead of time. 

The Senate and House have done the last joint retreat, we will now debate it before the parliament. It has been hectic but eventually we’ve done it.

“We can find a way to partner together. I believe that this structure is going to be resourceful for the growth of democracy in Nigeria.”

Earlier in their separate remarks, the Deputy Speakers of Delta and Benue Houses of Assembly, Rt. Hon. 

Arthur Akpowhowho and Rt. Hon. Lami Danladi who spoke on behalf of their colleagues commended Kalu for his efforts aimed at giving the country a people-oriented Constitution.

They also commended the Deputy Speaker for championing the reserved seats bill for inclusion of women in governance.

Speaking specifically on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, the  Deputy Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly and Vice Chairman of the Forum of Deputy Speakers of Nigeria,  

Chief Mrs. Lami Danladi Ogenyi, renewed her call for the immediate passage of the Reserved Seats for Women Bill, which is currently before the National Assembly.

The North Central coordinator for Tinubu Support Organisation(TSO) 2027, maintained that the bill  remain a national imperative aimed at correcting long-standing gender imbalances and ensuring that women come into political circle and participate actively in all electoral processes.

According to her, the bill is not just legislation but a rallying point for inclusivity, democracy, and nation-building, where women with political ambitions  to participate in politics can be accorded desired and equal opportunity to serve their country.

She appealed to the national assembly members to make history by giving their full support and ensure that the bill is giving  speedy attention and pass into law and commence the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu for anchoring and championing the course of women in politics in Nigeria. 

“The deputy speaker of House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu has single handedly come out with this bill for special seats for women to enhance their participation in politics, which has actually encouraged them. This must be commendable.

“We need more women in politics. I really appreciates the  speaker for the bill to reserve special seats for women. We need more women in politics and that is why we are  advocating  and pushing for the 35% affirmative action for women. 

“This has to be implemented because we want more women in politics. If the  law is passed and implemented, it would help many women who have ambitious to come into the political circle. 

“The woman are scared now to come into the political circle even when they are willing to. They are scared about how the men oppressed them by not given them space to vying for elective positions”, she stated.

The Benue lawmaker who represents Ado State Constituency, insisted that passing the bill would bring Nigeria closer to international standards on gender inclusion and reflect its democratic values.