By George Ozalla
Rt Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu
Kalu Pushes Wide-Ranging Reforms in Constitutional Deputy
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has outlined key reforms under consideration in the ongoing constitutional review, stressing that the 10th National Assembly is committed to producing a people-driven constitution.
Speaking at the National Public Hearing in Abuja, Kalu described the exercise as the most inclusive in the nation’s history, noting that 87 amendment proposals emerged from extensive consultations across all six geopolitical zones. He emphasized that the process is built on citizens’ submissions rather than imposed legislative drafts, making it a true reflection of the people’s aspirations.
Among the highlights of the review are electoral reforms such as independent candidacy, the creation of an Electoral Offences Commission, and strict timelines for resolving pre-election disputes. Kalu also revealed proposals to move policing from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, paving the way for state and community policing. In addition, the review seeks to guarantee both financial and administrative autonomy for local governments, while also advancing gender inclusion by reserving legislative seats for women and ensuring balanced representation in government appointments.
According to him, the public hearing marks the last stage of direct citizen engagement before parliamentary debates, harmonization with the Senate, and ratification by at least 24 state assemblies. He urged Nigerians to remain engaged in order to safeguard the integrity of the reforms.
Kalu commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for demonstrating political will in supporting the review but maintained that the ultimate authority rests with the people. He called on citizens to rise above ethnic and religious divides in order to deliver a constitution that secures justice, inclusivity, and development for future generations.
