The House of Representatives said on Monday that it will address the pitfalls that led to the failure of past constitutional amendments in the country by working closely with the executive at the state and federal levels in its constitutional amendment process to ensure that the outcome does not suffer the faith of previous exercises.
Speaking while inaugurating the House Committee on Constitution Review, the speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen acknowledged the pivotal role of the executive in the constitutional amendment process, while also saying that the House was also ready to carry the state Houses of Assembly along in the amendment process.
Abbas spoke just as the deputy speaker and chairman of the constitution review committee, Benjamin Kalu disclosed that the new Nigerian constitution will be ready within the next 24 months.
The speaker also said that the constitution review process will be deeply rooted in engaging with the Nigerian people at all levels, including traditional and religious institutions, pressure groups and trade unions, ethnoreligious organisations, the diaspora community, and much more to address critical areas that require amendment in the constitution.
He said the partnership with the executive stems from recognising their pivotal role in governance, ensuring that our review process is comprehensive and considers the practical aspects of implementation, adding that in addition, the process will involve State Houses of Assembly to foster consensus and expedite adoption by States.
He said the House intends to harness the inputs of all Nigerians at the level of senatorial districts through open forums, public consultations, and digital platforms, ensuring that every voice is heard and considered, adding that the proactive approach by the House is designed to ensure thorough engagement and deliberation.