The National Assembly has stated that it will ensure that inclusivity is promoted as it reviews the 1999 Constitution, News About Nigeria reports.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, disclosed this on Monday, stating that the National Assembly would be guided by the spirit of transparency, oneness, inclusivity, and national cohesion.
Recall that during the weekend, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, received over 44 bills seeking alterations in the 1999 Constitution on many issues, including the rotational presidency, state police, and local government autonomy, among others.
Reacting to this, Abbas maintained that the parliament will work hand-in-hand with the executive arm of government at the federal and state levels to ensure that the process enjoys the backing of Nigerians.
“The 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.
“We intend to harness the inputs of all Nigerians at the level of senatorial districts through open forum public consultations, and digital platforms, ensuring that every voice is heard and considered,” he stated.
He further noted that the current review, which is the 6th, would focus on the devolution of powers, state policing, enhancement of fiscal federalism through local government autonomy, further decongesting the exclusive legislative list, recognising and assigning constitutional roles for traditional institutions, and promoting inclusivity, particularly greater gender equity and women’s representation in appointive and elective positions.
He therefore urged members of the committee and Nigerians at large to participate fully in the debates that will arise during the process of the review.
