By George Ozalla
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, has called on lawmakers to ensure that the ongoing constitution review process is driven by national interest rather than personal, political, or regional considerations.
Speaking at the Joint Retreat of the Senate and House Committees on the Review of the Constitution in Lagos on Friday, Kalu urged legislators to approach their task with unity, discipline, and a commitment to the common good of all Nigerians. He emphasized that every clause and article reviewed must be assessed by one standard — what is best for Nigeria and its over 200 million citizens.
The Deputy Speaker highlighted the need for the process to transcend political and regional divides, insisting that the ultimate goal should be to produce a constitution that reflects the hopes, aspirations, and realities of the Nigerian people. “Our political differences must dissolve here. On constitutional reform, Nigeria must speak with one voice,” Kalu stated, adding that only a unified effort could yield amendments with national legitimacy and bipartisan support.
He also underscored the importance of legislative discipline in the review process, noting that constitutional reform demands technical precision, sober judgment, and prioritization. According to him, lawmakers must focus on practical and impactful amendments that enjoy broad public backing.
Kalu reiterated that Nigerians across all walks of life—traditional rulers, state executives, political parties, civil society, women’s groups, youth leaders, and faith-based organizations—have expressed a common desire for a people-driven constitution that guarantees justice, equity, and progress.
“The Constitution we seek to refine is more than a legal instrument; it is the soul of our Republic, the expression of our common destiny,” he said. He urged participants at the retreat to produce a clear and achievable roadmap that strengthens local governance, enhances gender balance, ensures credible elections, and safeguards the nation’s federal structure.
As the Senate and House of Representatives continue the joint review process, Kalu called for a collective resolve to transform their deliberations into “enduring constitutional milestones.”
