Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has said the creation state police would be given attention in the constitution amendment by the National Assembly.
Speaking during the inauguration and Citizens’ Engagement of the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution, yesterday, in Abuja, he also cited the clamour for increased participation of women in politics as another area that would be considered by the National Assembly.
Kalu, who chairs the House ad hoc committee on the review of the 1999 constitution, further listed state access to mines; clear specification of the taxes/levies to be collected by each tier of government and the provision for the office of the Mayor of the Federal Capital Territory Abuja as some of the other bills that would be considered in the course of the exercise within the next two years.
He disclosed that among the bills that would be reconsidered are those that had to do with the powers to the National Assembly and state Assemblies to summon the President and governors, and requirements of government to direct policies towards ensuring the rights to food and food security.
He reiterated the resolve of the committee to accommodate more proposals to enhance the Constitution and strengthen democratic rule, aside executive-sponsored bill proposals that reflect issues on the renewed hope agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.
Kalu called on the 36 states governments to domesticate bills on financial autonomy for state Assemblies, judiciary, redesignating “Prisons” as “Correctional Services” and transferring them from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent legislative list.
Others include transferring “railways” from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent legislative list; enabling states to generate, transmit and distribute electricity in areas covered by the national grid; and requiring the President and governors to submit the names of persons nominated as ministers or commissioners within 60 days of taking the oath of office for confirmation by the Senate or state House of Assembly.
At the event, attended by state Assembly speakers, monarchs, heads of security agencies and diplomats, he added:
“We particularly saw this come into action when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu submitted his ministerial list two days before the deadline on Thursday, July 27, 2023.
“As we move forward, states should commence domestication of these amendments to generate the required results and propel Nigeria towards a brighter future.
“Thus, the call to action is clear, and the pathway forward is illuminated by the principles of dialogue, advocacy, participation, unity, and inclusivity. Let us heed the voices of our fellow citizens, from all walks of life, and engage in open, inclusive, and transparent dialogue on constitutional reform. Let us bridge divides, build consensus, and forge a common vision for the future of Nigeria.”
