The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has said the sixth amendment to the Nigerian Constitution will be the most comprehensive.
Hon. Abbas stated this at the inauguration ceremony of the House of Representatives committee on the review of the 1999 Constitution in Abuja on Monday.
According to Abbas, issues of State Police, local government autonomy; decongesting of Exclusive Legislative List, and assignment of constitutional roles to traditional institutions will be giving special attention.
Other issues to be prioritized are those of additional or reserved seats for women across legislative bodies, twinning in joint tickets and conferring citizenship on foreigners married to Nigerian women.
He charged the committee and all Nigerians not to shy away from the complexities and the debates that will arise during this process.
Excerpt of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas’ speech
“Honourable colleagues, ladies and gentlemen, we expect the Sixth Alteration under this Tenth National Assembly to be the most comprehensive yet. As such, the task before the Constitution Review Committee is profound. The House Agenda is ambitious in its scope and encompasses wide-ranging issues pivotal to our national growth. Among these are: devolution of powers, including 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 representation into appointive and elective positions. Regarding the latter, I implore this Committee to align its work with the Legislative Agenda. I urge you to revisit the issue of additional or reserved seats for women across legislative bodies, twinning in joint tickets and conferring citizenship on foreigners married to Nigerian women.
“Other critical areas for your consideration include implementing comprehensive electoral reforms to address the gaps identified in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections; strengthening the enforceability of legislative instruments; and institutional strengthening for greater accountability, among others. These areas are crucial for reinforcing our democracy and ensuring that the governance structure meets the needs and aspirations of all Nigerians. Several Bills have already been introduced in both the Senate and the House, touching on some of these very important issues.
“I encourage Members of the Committee and all Nigerians not to shy away from the complexities and the debates that will arise during this process. Instead, let us embrace them as vital components of a vibrant democracy. The discussions and disagreements are not signs of weakness but rather indications of our strength and diversity. They remind us that we are a nation of many voices, each with something valuable to contribute to our collective future.
“However, in making recommendations and proposals that potentially have far-reaching impacts (such as state police), I strongly recommend that we adopt a scientific approach grounded in empirical evidence rather than ideology, personal beliefs, or political expediency. I also challenge us to go beyond traditional and generic prescriptions and explore gradualism in law making with the understanding that social change can be achieved in small, discrete increments rather than in abrupt strokes or grand solutions.”
