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Tag: Constitution Review

  • Constitution Review: NASS proposes four year tenure for LG, 25 year age limit

    Constitution Review: NASS proposes four year tenure for LG, 25 year age limit

    • …only LG legislature can remove chairman

    As part of the clamour for local government reform in the country, the National Assembly is proposing a uniform four-year renewable tenure for elected local government officials across the country.

    The proposed law sets a minimum age of 25 for those willing to contest local government Chairmanship election, and a minimum of at least a school certificate level or its equivalent, and must be a member of a political party, and is sponsored by that political party.

    It also made proposals to be followed for the removal of elected local government chairmen and vice Chairmen, practically stripping state governors of the power to dissolve an elected council.

    The proposal is part of a broad recommendation by the joint Constitution review committee of the Senate and House of Representatives, adopted at its retreat in Lagos, which is currently awaiting consideration by both chambers of the National Assembly.

    44 constitution alteration bills are awaiting the approval of both chambers before being forwarded to the 36 state Houses of Assembly for concurrence and subsequent transmission to the President for his assent.

    Voting on the bills was earlier scheduled to be held before the Christmas and New Year break, but members of the House of Representatives insisted that they needed time to study the recommendations and probably consult with their constituents before voting.

    If passed and assented to by the President, it will put an end to scattered tenure for local government chairmen across the country, which currently ranges from two to three years, depending on the state.

    Only the six Area Councils in the FCT currently run a four-year tenure among the 774 local government areas in the country.

    According to the proposal cited by The Nation, section 212 of the constitution is to be amended to provide for a uniform fixed tenure for elected local government officials across the country, unlike what is currently obtained in many states across the country.

    The provision states that “subject to the provisions of this Constitution, a person shall hold the office of Chairman of a Local Government Council until – (a) when his successor in office takes the oath of that office; (b) he dies whilst holding such office; (c) the date when his resignation from office takes effect; or (d) he otherwise ceases to hold office in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.

    It also states that, “Subject to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section, the Chairman shall vacate his office at the expiration of a period of four years commencing from the date when –(a) in the case of a person first elected as Chairman under this Constitution, he took the Oath of Allegiance and oath of office; and  (b) the person last elected to that office took the Oath of Allegiance and oath of office or would, but for his death, have taken such oaths.”

    The proposed amendments also provide that “in the determination of the four-year term, where a re-run election has taken place and the person earlier sworn in wins the re-run election, the time spent in office before the date the election was annulled shall be taken into account.

    “If the Federation is at war in which the territory of Nigeria is physically involved and the President considers that it is not practicable to hold elections, the National Assembly may by resolution extend the period of four years mentioned in subsection (2) of this section from time to time, but no such extension shall exceed a period of six months at any one time”.

    The proposal extended all constitutional privileges assigned to the President and Governors to elected local government chairmen and Vice Chairmen.

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    It also required that, “a person elected to the office of the Chairman of a Local Government shall not begin to perform the functions of that office until he has declared his assets and liabilities as prescribed in the Constitution and has subsequently taken and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance and oath of office prescribed in the Seventh Schedule to this Constitution.

    It also made provisions for the procedures for the removal of an elected Chairman or Vice Chairman, vesting such powers on the local government legislative council.

    It states that, “The Chairman or Vice-Chairman of a Local Government may be removed from office in accordance with the provisions of this section.

    “Whenever a notice of any allegation in writing signed by not less than one-third of the members of the Local Government council –

    (a) is presented to the Speaker of the Local Government council; (b) stating that the holder of such office is guilty of gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office, detailed particulars of which shall be specified, the Speaker of the Local Government council shall, within seven days of the receipt of the notice, cause a copy of the notice to be served on the holder of the office and on each member of the Local Government Council and shall also cause any statement made in reply to the allegation by the holder of the office, to be served on each member of the Local Government Council.

    “Within fourteen days of the presentation of the notice to the Speaker of the Local Government Council (whether or not any statement was made by the holder of the office in reply to the allegation contained in the notice), the Local Government Council shall resolve by motion, without any debate, whether or not the allegation shall be investigated.

    “A motion of the Local Government Council that the allegation be investigated shall not be declared as having been passed unless it is supported by the votes of not less than two-thirds majority of all the members of the Local Government Council.

    “Within seven days of the passing of a motion under the foregoing provisions of this section, the Chief Judge of the State shall at the request of the Speaker of the Local Government Council, appoint a panel of seven persons who in his opinion are of unquestionable integrity, not being members of any public service, legislative house or political party, to investigate the allegation as provided in  this section.

    “The holder of an office whose conduct is being investigated under this section shall have the right to defend himself in person or be represented before the panel by a legal practitioner of his own choice.

    “A panel appointed under subsection 9(5) of this section shall –(a) have such powers and exercise its functions in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed by the Local Government Legislative Council; and (b) within three months of its appointment, report its findings to the Local Government Legislative Council.

    “Where the panel reports to the Local Government Legislative Council that the allegation has not been proved, no further proceedings shall be taken in respect of the matter.

    “Where the report of the panel is that the allegation against the holder of the office has been proved, then within fourteen days of the receipt of the report, the Local Government Council shall consider the report, and if by a resolution of the local government legislative council, supported by not less than two-thirds majority of all its members, the report of the panel is adopted, then the holder of the office shall stand removed from office as from the date of the adoption of the report.

    “No proceedings or determination of the panel or of the Local Government Legislative Council or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall be entertained or questioned in any court.”

  • Constitution Review panel targets before-year-end transmission of amendment bills to state assemblies

    Constitution Review panel targets before-year-end transmission of amendment bills to state assemblies

    • Barau rallies lawmakers, speakers for speedy conclusion of review
    • Nigerians yearning for conmprehensive reforms to feel governance, says Reps Deputy Speaker

    Deputy Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review, Barau Jibrin, has urged federal and state lawmakers to remain steadfast as the constitution amendment process enters its decisive stage.

    Barau spoke yesterday at a joint meeting of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Constitution Review with the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures in Abuja.

    The Deputy Senate President said the engagement was aimed at firming up positions earlier agreed upon and ensuring full collaboration with state assemblies before transmitting approved Bills to the Executive.

    The meeting, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, brought together members of the National Assembly, state assembly speakers and consultants working on the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.

    Barau recalled the committee’s previous meeting in Lagos, where members debated the amendment Bills and agreed to reconvene for further consultations.

    The Deputy Senate President hailed fellow lawmakers for their “commitment and dedication” to what he called one of the most important legislative assignments before the 10th National Assembly.

    He noted that the Abuja meeting was not designed for fresh debates except where there was a substantive motion to revisit an already concluded matter.

    According to him, members are expected to adopt agreed positions and receive reports from the sub-committees working on specific areas, including state and local government creation.

    Barau said the presence of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly was crucial, describing them as “critical and strategic partners” whose concurrence is required under Section 9 of the Constitution before any amendment can become law.

    Read Also: South-West security summit: stakeholders back state police

    “This meeting offers the state assemblies the opportunity to be fully brought on board on the issues we have sieved after public hearings and consultations across the country,” he said.

    “Their observations and inputs are important as we prepare our final report to the plenary.”

    The Deputy Senate President urged all stakeholders to remain committed to ensuring that the amendment Bills are transmitted to the state assemblies before the end of the year.

    He added: “We are in the last lap of this assignment. Nigerians are looking up to us, and we must fulfil our purpose by ensuring that the constitution amendment bills get to the state houses of assembly this year.”

    Also, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has said Nigerians are looking up to the legislature to have holistic reforms that will, among others, bring governance closer to them and localise internal security.

    Kalu spoke at the second joint retreat of the House and Senate Committees on Constitution Review yesterday in Abuja.

    The Deputy Speaker described the meeting as a defining chapter in the collective journey to deliver a Constitution that truly serves the people, deepens democracy, and strengthens the foundations of the nation.

    He said reforms through the ongoing constitution review should birth the creation of state police, empower their voices through credible elections, ensure fiscal federalism and equitable resource distribution, protect the rights and dignity of every citizen, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion, and guarantee local government autonomy so that development could reach the last community.

    Kalu recalled that since the commencement of the constitutional review, the committee had recorded significant and measurable progress.

    He added: “Three prior committee retreats were dedicated to capacity building, technical refinement, and thematic deliberations on critical constitutional issues.

    “Six zonal public hearings were conducted across all geopolitical zones, during which we received submissions from thousands of Nigerian citizens, traditional rulers, state executives, political parties, civil society organisations, women’s groups, youth leaders, professional bodies, and the security community.

    “There were argeted consultations with critical stakeholders, including the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures, because true federalism thrives on intergovernmental cooperation, not rivalry; leaders of all registered political parties because constitutional amendments must reflect collective consensus above partisanship.”

    “Traditional institutions (were involved) because cultural legitimacy reinforces constitutional stability. The national security and intelligence community (is also involved) to strengthen Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty to ensure reforms; civil society, women’s groups, and professional organisations: to capture the voices of those who live the realities of governance daily.

    “The consensus from these extensive engagements is unmistakable: Nigerians yearn for a Constitution that empowers local governments, ensures credible elections, strengthens fiscal federalism, guarantees gender inclusion, and enhances accountability across all tiers of government.

    “Most recently, our deliberations at the Lagos retreat in October 2025 produced a critical consensus on priority reform areas. That retreat was a defining moment; it brought together the finest minds from both chambers, and we left Lagos with a shared understanding of the constitutional amendments that enjoy the broadest public support and political feasibility.

    “I cannot overemphasise the importance of state-level ownership in this constitutional review process. As we all know, Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) requires that any alteration to the constitution must be approved by at least two-thirds of the Houses of Assembly of the Federation.

    “This means that no matter how brilliant, how necessary, or how popular our amendments may be, they will not become law without the support of at least 24 out of 36 State Assemblies. State domestication is, therefore, the constitutional gateway through which every amendment must pass.

    “The success or failure of this constitutional review will ultimately be determined not here in Abuja, but in the 36 State Assemblies across the federation. You are the gatekeepers of constitutional reform, and history will judge us all by the actions we take in the coming weeks.

    “Let me be clear: this is the final retreat before the historic voting on the Constitution Alteration Bills. After today, we move from deliberation to decision. We move from consultation to legislative action. We move from debate to delivery. History is watching us.

    “The entire nation, over 200 million Nigerians, anticipate direction from this Assembly. Our people yearn for reforms that devolve power and bring governance closer to the grassroots, localise internal security through innovative approaches, like state police, empower their voices through credible elections, ensure fiscal federalism and equitable resource distribution, protect the rights and dignity of every citizen, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion, guarantee local government autonomy so that development reaches the last community.

    “The amendments we agree upon today will shape Nigeria’s democracy for generations to come. Permit me also to inform this distinguished gathering that, in keeping with our commitment to intergovernmental partnership, all Governors of the federation will be formally briefed on Wednesday, November 25, 2025.

    “The Constitution we seek to refine is the soul of our Republic, the expression of our common destiny, the framework upon which the hopes and dreams of every Nigerian rest. Let the work we do here in Abuja reflect our shared commitment to a Nigeria that works for all.

    “Let this retreat produce a clear, achievable roadmap; one that strengthens local governance, enhances gender balance, ensures credible elections, and secures our federation against future instability. As the Senate and House stand united in this constitutional review process, let us leave this hall with the resolve to transform our deliberations into enduring constitutional milestones.

    “To the Speakers of State Assemblies, we count on your partnership. Go back to your states as ambassadors of reform, as champions of the people’s will, as guarantors that these amendments will receive the support they deserve.

    “To the governors, we will brief on Wednesday. Rest assured that this is not an attempt to undermine executive authority; it is an effort to strengthen federalism, improve governance, and deliver the democracy Nigerians deserve.

    “To my colleagues in the Senate and House: this is our moment. Let us rise to it. Together, we can build a Constitution that guarantees justice, equity, and progress for every Nigerian; today and for generations to come.”

  • N’Assembly Constitution review panel proposes six new states

    N’Assembly Constitution review panel proposes six new states

    • One state per geo-political zone

    • ‘Committee to pick out of 55 requests’

    Six new states have been proposed by the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Constitution Review, it was learnt yesterday.

    The proposal was one of the key resolutions of the two-day retreat, co-chaired by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu in Lagos.

    The joint committee considered 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments, and 278 local government creation requests during the retreat.

    During the consideration of the 55 requests for state creation, the joint committee unanimously resolved that six additional states should be created.

    If approved, the number of states will increase from 36 to 42.

    A state will, therefore, be created in each of the six geopolitical zones of the Northwest, Northeast, Northcentral, Southwest, Southsouth, and Southeast.

    Consequently, Southsouth will have seven states; Southwest, seven; Southeast, six; Northwest, eight; Northeast, seven; and Northcentral, seven.

    The resolution will form part of the report of the joint committee that is expected to be presented to both chambers of the National Assembly in the first week of November.

    A principal officer said the resolution on state creation was unanimously supported by all lawmakers from both chambers in the spirit of fairness and equity.

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    He said the lawmakers also resolved to create a sub-committee to identify areas from which the six additional states will be carved.

    The Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, will chair the Senate Committee to identify the areas.

    A member of the sub-committee from Northwest assured that the committee will review all 55 requests submitted to the National Assembly to develop the six new state proposals.

    He said: “We will meticulously review the 55 requests for state creation to come up with the areas where the six new states will be carved from.

    “We will be fair and just to all the promoters of state creation.”

    State creation requires an amendment to the Constitution.

    Any amendment requires two-thirds support in the National Assembly and a concurrence of two-thirds of the Houses of Assembly in the 36 states.

    Attempts to contact Dr Innocent Mebiri, the Clerk of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, were unsuccessful as his phone number was unreachable.

    The pressure from areas agitating for states has been intense in the last few months.

    A group from Delta North has drawn a map of Anioma State, which they are proposing as the sixth state for the Southeast.

    In Oyo State, the Ibadan State agitation was brought publicly before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he attended the coronation of Oba Rahidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan.

    Oba Ladoja himself threw up the request while directly speaking to the President.

    He added that it is the wish of his people that Ibadan state should be created out of Oyo before or by 2027.

  • Constitution Review: NASS scrutinises requests for 59 states, 278 LGAs

    Constitution Review: NASS scrutinises requests for 59 states, 278 LGAs

    Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to delivering people-centred and timely amendments to the 1999 Constitution, as the legislature begins deliberations on the creation of new states and local government areas.

    Speaking at the opening of a two-day joint retreat of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on the Review of the 1999 Constitution in Lagos, Senator Barau urged lawmakers to stay focused on their promise to transmit the first set of amendments to the State Houses of Assembly before the end of the year.

    The retreat, he explained, was convened to enable members of both committees to “review the proposed amendments clause-by-clause.”

    According to him, a total of 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments, and 278 local government creation requests are being considered during the exercise.

    “It has been a long journey to bring the Senate and the House of Representatives Constitution Amendment proposals that cut across several sections and deal with different subject matters,” Senator Barau said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir.

    “We have been in this process for the past two years, engaging our constituents, critical stakeholders, institutions, civil society organisations and interest groups in town hall meetings, interactive sessions and public hearings — harvesting and synthesizing views and perspectives which have ultimately culminated in what we have here today: 69 bills, 55 state creation requests, two boundary adjustments and 278 Local Government creation requests.”

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    As chair of the Senate Committee on Constitution Review, Barau noted that the committees are expected to harmonise and make recommendations to their respective chambers for further legislative action.

    “It is not going to be a simple task to achieve within two days, but I believe we can do it, especially as we have promised Nigerians that we will deliver the first set of amendments to the State Houses of Assembly before the end of this year,” he said.

    “I believe we can deliver on this promise if we engage the bills and the issues with open minds. I acknowledge we represent constituents with diverse ethnic, religious and socio-economic cleavages through different political platforms, but the Constitution is the grundnorm for Nigerian citizens and nationhood, which we must approach with patriotism and nationalism as higher shared goals.”

    Barau, who also serves as the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, called on members to focus on the national interest and avoid partisan or competitive debates.

    “We are seated here as one Committee. There should be no ‘we’ and ‘them’; we should be guided by the interests of Nigerians.

    “I wish all of us a very fruitful deliberation and hope for recommendations that will meet the approval threshold of the provisions of Section 9 of the Constitution,” he added.

  • APC, PDP, LP, APGA, NNPP, others shun Reps consultative meeting on constitution review

    APC, PDP, LP, APGA, NNPP, others shun Reps consultative meeting on constitution review

    National chairmen of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Africa Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), their secretaries and other political parties yesterday stayed away from  the consultative meeting with leaders of political parties organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review.

    But their women leaders were in attendance

      House of Representatives  Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu  at the  meeting said  the  nation was in dire need of a Constitution that not only permits democracy, but actively enables it.

    Also, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said that the clamour for state policing  is not in any way a form of rebellion,.

    But he  warned however that in seeking safety, we must not sacrifice freedom.

    The Deputy Speaker lamented that the cooperative democracy the nation imagined 26 years ago has not fully materialized, saying the nation has instead found itself in a moment where we must ask: is our Constitution still fit for purpose? Does it reflect the Nigeria we are today, or is it anchored to the Nigeria of a bygone era?

    The leadership of the Inter Party Advisory Council called for a restoration of the direct constitutional funding of political party to give fair advantage to all political parties during elections.

    Kalu said: “Twenty-six years ago, Nigeria returned to democratic governance under the1999 Constitution. It was a moment of great expectation. After decades of military rule, we dared to believe that a new era of freedom, justice, and prosperity was finally within reach.

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    “The Constitution we adopted was meant to be the bedrock of a new Nigeria, a Nigeria where power belonged to the people, where rights were guaranteed, and where institutions served the common good. Twenty-six years on, has this promise been fulfilled? Yes, Nigeria today is more democratic than ever before. We have conducted seven successive general elections.

    “Power has changed hands  peacefully between parties. Our civil society is vibrant. Our media is free. Our judiciary, though tested, remains independent. On the one hand, our democracy has deepened. Political parties like yours have become the primary vehicles through which Nigerians participate in governance.

    “Millions cast their votes in every election cycle, believing, rightly, that their choices matter. On the other hand, too many Nigerians feel left behind. Women remain severely under represented in our political structures, despite constituting half our population. Our local governments, the closest tier of government to the people, remain weak and financially dependent.

    “Electoral disputes drag on for years, creating uncertainty and undermining public confidence.The cooperative democracy we imagined  26 years ago has not fully materialized. Instead, we find ourselves in a moment of reckoning. A moment where we must ask: is our Constitution still fit for purpose? Does it reflect the Nigeria we are today, or is it anchored to the Nigeria of a bygone era?

    “As leaders of Nigeria’s political parties, you face this question every day.You see the gaps. You feel the frustrations. You hear the voices of ordinary Nigerians demanding more from their democracy. And that is precisely why you are here today.

    “Political parties are not just participants in our democracy; you are its backbone. You recruit candidates. You mobilize voters. You articulate competing visions for our nation’s future. You are the bridge between government and the governed. If constitutional amendments are to be legitimate, they must have your buy-in.

    “If they are to be effective, they must address the challenges you face on the ground. If they are to endure, they must reflect a broad consensus that transcends party lines.This is why we have invited you here today: not as adversaries, but as partners in nation-building.

    “Let me be clear about what is at stake. Before us are critical amendment bills that will define the trajectory of our democracy for the next generation.

    Represented by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno,  Senate President assured that the National Assembly will work with the Executive and other stakeholders to give Nigerians the Constitution it deserve.

    Akpabio said: “We are here because we share one belief – that our Constitution must live, breathe, and grow with the times”.

    He  hailed members of the House Committee on Constitution Review for their efforts, describing them as true patriots.

    The Senate president  said: “You have called the nation to reflection, not reaction; to reform, not rhetoric. This engagement with political parties is not routine – it is historic. It says to the world that Nigeria’s democracy is alive and still learning, still listening, still leading.

    “We are gathered to examine the heartbeats of our Republic – justice, security, inclusion, and accountability. The issues before us – judicial and electoral reforms, local government autonomy, special seats for women, state policing, human rights – are not items on a checklist; they are the pillars of a nation still under construction.

    “Each one of them speaks to a larger question: how do we make democracy not only endure but deliver?”

    “An election is not a ceremony; it is the soul of democracy. And justice is not a luxury; it is the backbone of peace. When elections fail, trust dies. When justice delays, faith decays. That is why we must renew both – our ballots and our benches.

    “We must strengthen INEC, shield our courts from corruption, and restore the people’s confidence in their institutions. In India, reforms made voting accessible even in the remotest villages. In South Africa, the Constitution enshrines judicial independence as sacred. We can do the same – not by copying others, but by perfecting ourselves.

    “True federalism begins at the grassroots. If government does not work in the village, it has failed in the capital. We must free our local governments from the chains of dependency. Development must have a human face — and that face must be visible in every ward, every street, every home.

    “What of the women of Nigeria- the pillars of every family, the architects of every community? A democracy that sidelines its women weakens itself.

    “Across the world, the evidence is clear: in Rwanda, women lead more than 60 percent of parliament; in Finland, women shape policy and governance with distinction. Where women rise, nations thrive. It is time for Nigeria to move from the language of sympathy to the policy of inclusion.

    “Security, too, must evolve. It must be local before it can be national. A nation as vast as ours cannot be protected from a single command post. The call for state policing is not rebellion; it is realism. In the United States, in India, and even in Brazil, local policing works side by side with national forces – coordinated, not conflicting. But in seeking safety, we must not sacrifice freedom.

    “The hand that guards must not gag. The shield of the state must never become a sword against its citizens”.

    The Senate President assured the people  that the National Assembly stands ready to collaborate with the Executive and all stakeholders in reforming the nation’s laws.

    He said  that it is the responsibility of the lawmakers ‘not to preserve power, but to protect the people. Our mission is not to obstruct, but to construct – laws that heal, not harden; reforms that renew, not rupture. This review process is proof that democracy is not a monument; it is a movement. Each generation must refine it, renew it, and make it better than they found it”.

    He added: “The Constitution is not a piece of paper; it is the promise of a people. Let us therefore rise above party lines and regional divides. Let us remember that the strength of Nigeria lies not in her oil or land, but in her people and in their will to build together.

    Addressing the House Committee, the Senate President said: “You remind us that democracy is not self-sustaining – it must be constantly defended and deliberately deepened.

    “If we do this — if we stay true to the ideals of justice, inclusion, and accountability – then future generations will say of us: here were leaders who did not merely speak of change, but made it. Here were men and women who did not merely amend the Constitution, but renewed the nation”.

    Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council, the umbrella body of political parties , Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle said issues of  Judicial and Electoral Reforms, Local Government Reforms, Special Seats for Women, State Policing and, Human Rights and Justice are part of broader issues for consideration in the ongoing Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments.

    He said: “As the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC has been at the vanguard for Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments with a view to consolidating, deepening and strengthening the nation’s democracy. This is imperative after flaws witnessed in each election cycle.

    “As the platform that produces all elected public officers, IPAC is committed to ensuring that the electoral process is fair, transparent and inclusive, and all political parties are given a level-playing field in electoral contests.

    “We believe that a revised Electoral Act and Constitution amendments preceding the 2027 general election will address identified concerns as well as significantly enhance the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, promote political stability and strengthen democratic governance.”

    Dantalle called for the scraping of the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and vesting the responsibility of conducting all 774 local government election on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He said: “IPAC has been championing local government autonomy. Politics is local, citizens should be encouraged to actively participate in grassroots politics that guarantees free, fair and credible local government election”.

    They are also advocating “the removal of the power to appoint the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Commission Secretary and National Commissioners from the executive to promote the independence of the Commission.

    “Setting up of an Independent Appointment Committee (IAC) composed of representatives from all registered Political Parties and Civil Society Organizations, the National Judicial Council and a Committee of the National Assembly to be appointed by both the majority and minority arms of the Senate and House of

    Representatives, thereby ensuring that all parties have representatives in the Independent Appointment Committee.

    “Restoration of funding of political parties in Nigeria to provide for a level playing ground for all political parties. The amendment should provide mechanism to ensure that political parties maintain transparent financial records and accounting practices.

    “IPAC supports the bill as proposed by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. When a section of the society is under-represented in policy discussions, they feel marginalised”.

    Also, IPAC is throwing its weight behind the establishment of clectoral Offences Commission to try electoral offenders. This will help to curb electoral offences including vote buying and selling, violence, ballot snatching and falsification of results”.

    Whie recognising the role of the Judiciary in the sustenance of democracy, Dantalle said thr body was of the view that any seat vacated due to decamping, resignation or death should be filled by the original winning political party through a replacement process, rather than a very expensive tortuous election.

  • State Police, council autonomy, electoral reforms top 87 issues in Constitution review

    State Police, council autonomy, electoral reforms top 87 issues in Constitution review

    State Police, Council autonomy and special seats for women top the eighty-seven Constitution amendment Bills being proposed by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Constitution review.

    Also being considered are “extensive electoral reforms, including proposals for independent candidacy, the establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission, and a fixed timeline for the determination of pre-election matters to ensure that the will of the people is never again subverted by legal technicalities”.

    This was made known yesterday at a one-day public hearing on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution review by the panel in Abuja.

    Some other issues are Electoral and Judicial reforms,  devolution of powers, strengthening of public and traditional Institutions, as well as citizenship and Indigeneship. 

    While the bill for state and community policing seeks the establishment of state and community police systems, that of women and People Living with disabilities (PLWDs) proposes constitutionally guaranteed seats for women and persons with disabilities in the National Assembly and Houses of Assembly.

    The sponsors of the bill for financial and administrative independence for local governments are seeking to enhance the autonomy of the third tier of government via a structured system of Executive and Legislative arms.

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    This will be in line with Supreme Court judgment granting financial autonomy to the 774 councils.

    The House of Representatives, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and state Assembly Speakers said much is expected of the committee.

    For the review to be meaningful, they also said that the plan should deepen democracy and ensure equity and justice.

    At the forum, traditional rulers, who renewed their  agitations for a constitutional role, clarified that the motive is not to hijack the function of elected leaders, but to serve as a bridge between the government and the governed.

    Representatives of women group also reiterated their demand for increased representation in the parliament and executive councils across the tiers.

     The Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Benjamin Kalu, clarified that the bills being considered are still proposals before the National Assembly.

    The public hearing held at the Congress Hall of Transcorp Hilton, which was billed to start at about 10 am did not start until about 11.30 as the organisers struggled to control the crowd.

    ‘We are committed to constitutional reforms’

    President Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, reiterated his commitment to the constitutional reform that would strengthen the institutions.

    He described the process as a “golden opportunity” for Nigerians to advance democracy and nation-building. He urged them to actively participate in the historic opportunity to entrench good governance, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

    President Tinubu commended the House for creating an inclusive platform to engage with the citizens, civil society, political parties, professional groups, and traditional institutions in the amendment process.

    Abbas: There is need for increased women representation

    Abbas said Nigeria cannot prosper by leaving half of its talent and energy on the sidelines, adding that a reform that is delayed is denied.

    The Speaker said the review would pay attention to representation of under represented groups like women, youth and persons with disabilities in governance.

    Abbas said: “Today women hold less than five percent of seats in the National Assembly. That statistic is unacceptable for a country of our size and ambition”.

    The Speaker said the public hearing marked a significant moment in the nation’s democratic journey and legislative process as it crowns months of deliberate, nationwide engagement designed to ensure that Nigerians themselves shape the evolution of the supreme law.

    Assemblies will play their roles, says Bauchi Speaker

    The Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly, represented by the Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Abubakar Suleiman, said Constitution amendment is about renewing trust and rebuilding confidence in the democratic institutions.

    He added: “The Conference of Speakers is committed to playing its full role in this process. We will continue to ensure that the voices of states are heard and that the reforms agreed upon here are given the necessary ratification across our 36 Assemblies”.

    Etsu Nupe: Why we deserve political role

    The National Council of Traditional Rulers said political role would enable the monarchs to complement government structures at the grassroots.

    The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, said “I want to make it clear to all of the members, executive members, governors, chairmen, and everybody, that this institution is not here to usurp your authorities, no. We are here to collaborate, to complement you, so that you run this country much, much better. We don’t compete at all, no competition at all.

    “We are here to complement and collaborate with all the programmes, all the policies that the government may bring. We mobilise our people, we encourage them, we make them understand because when we speak, our own mother tongue, they understand better than what I’m speaking now, English.

    “You know, when a Yoruba calls his people and tells them what to do, they understand Yoruba. The same thing with the Igbo, if he calls his people and talks to them, they understand him. So that language, that barrier must be breached.”

    The royal father who went down memory lane recalled  before the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates and the Lagos Colony to form Nigeria in 1914, the various areas were a conglomeration of kingdoms, caliphates, chiefdoms and emirates, with various levels of traditional authorities as the basis for governance.

    Kalu: Bills have not become law

    Kalu explained that the bills being considered by the National Assembly are still proposals capturing the needs and desires of the people and not yet laws.

    He said: “Before us is a compendium of 87 proposed amendment bills, each a response to the felt needs and expressed desires of the Nigerian people. They are organized around the central pillars of a modern, functional, and just society.

    “The items and amendment proposals being considered are not yet laws, but still proposals, suggestions and ideas that have emerged through one of the most inclusive and participatory exercises in Nigeria’s constitutional history.

    “Importantly, these proposals do not simply represent the agenda of the legislature; instead, they are, first and foremost, the thought-out demands, hopes, and memoranda of the Nigerian people themselves, gathered through extensive regional dialogues and topically-focused public hearings held across the nation.

    ‘It is, therefore, essential that the process is not misconstrued. The constitutional amendment journey is designed to be transparent, participatory, and fair.

    “Yet, let us also be clear: while today represents the final stage of direct public engagement in this constitutional review process, it is, by no means, the final day of work. Rather, it marks the transition to the next phase, a return to the deliberative chambers of the parliament, where all submissions will be critically sifted, refined, and improved upon in preparation for the momentous task of voting”.

    Envoys hail process

    British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria Geo Liva said opening the doors of the constitutional amendment process for wider citizen input demonstrated a commitment to promoting democratic debate and accountability.

    She said the huge turnout at the public hearing underscored the healthy and considerable desire there is in Nigeria for participatory democracy, assuring that the government of the United Kingdom is committed to its modest support for the process.

    Liva said: “Our support is rooted in a shared belief that inclusive governance built on public participation, built on the need for fostering public trust, is a cornerstone of a resilient democracy.

    “As your partner, the UK understands that any constitutional reform process is a complex undertaking. It needs thoughtful deliberation, the building of sufficient consensus and the creation of shared visions for future arrangements.”

    The Head of the European Union delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, said the amendments posed some logistical challenges, but shows how vibrant Nigeria’s democracy is, “even more vibrant than we would think”.

    He said: “For any democracy, constitutional reviews are opportunities to strengthen democracy and adjust it to the evolutions of society, technologies and the global environment.

    “As international partners, the EU is following very closely this process. Of course, we are very careful not to meddle into the sovereign choices of the people. But we are here to provide technical assistance, expertise, support for consultations with stakeholders.”

    The President of Network of Women with Disabilities, Lois Auta, lamented the low representation of women in governance in the country.

    She said: “As it is right now, we are at a zero level of participation in governance. We are excluded and underrepresented in every sector.

    “In Kenya, we have a visually impaired woman who is a senator in the Kenyan parliament. What is Nigeria doing? As it is, it is time we move from exclusion to inclusion, from inclusion to participation, and from participation to representation. We also need to move from policy to practise.”

  • The challenge of constitution review (2)

    The challenge of constitution review (2)

    THE 45-man Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, with the Deputy Senate President Barau Jubrin as Chairman and Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele Vice Chairman, has concluded the zonal public hearings across the six zones.

    Four issues elicited wide ranging interests – devolution of power, state creation, local government creation and state police.

    Other issues like inclusive reforms, institutional reforms, fundamental rights and objectives, system and structure of government, reforms of the judiciary, roles of the traditional institutions in government, reforms of the fiscal environment, and electoral reforms also came up.

    State creation has been a problematic issue, due to the constitutional stipulations that now serve as inevitable constraints. It was easy for the military regimes to embark on arbitrary and tyrannical exercise through decrees without considering the core federal principles that should guide their decisions.

    As centrists, states were never created by the military rulers to deepen federalism. For example, in 1967, state creation by the military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, was in response to the civil war. It was an attempt to quel the late Col. Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s rebellion and truncate his expansionist agenda. The exercise demarcated between Igbo, who were restricted to Southeastern State, and others ethnic groups who were lumped together in Eastcentral State and Rivers State.

    Also, in 1976, some aspects of the Irikefe Report on State Creation were ignored by Muritala/Obasanjo regime. For example, while some towns were proposed as state capitals, certain members of the Supreme Military Council (SMC) insisted that their home towns should be made capitals. Under subsequent military regimes, state creation was dictated, most times, by ethnic pulls, with state capitals as gifts to military cabals and their in-laws.

    Also, military governors as lesser lords of manor in states, assisted by privileged top civil servants, also created local governments, with attendant boundary disputes.

    Every geo-political region is agitating for states, but there are also regions spicing their agitations with inexplicable arguments that tend to demarket the claims of others.

    The factors of population, land spread and resources have to be considered along with historical issues and the quest for the redress of past and current injustice.

    Read Also: Constitution review: Women groups demand 84 reserved seats in National Assembly

    It was a contentious issue at the 2014 conference in Abuja. As Southeast delegates pressed for more states, Ahmadu Ali, former senator and minister, was taken aback that the Southwest kept quiet, or did not make enough noise. The argument was that the old Eastern Region, whose delegates were more vociferous, had more states than the Western Region.

    The old West has eight states – Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Edo and Delta. However, nine states had been carved out of the old East, namely Anambra, Enugu, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom, Cross Rivers, Rivers, and Bayelsa, which in population, is not up to the old Alimoso local government in Lagos State. This fact is cleverly covered or omitted by Southeast agitators for more states who continue to make cloudy and subjective references to a Southwest with six states and a Southeast with five.

    Senator Bamidele disclosed that the Senate Committee had received 31 proposals for the creation of additional states;  six from Northwest, eight from Northcentral, five from Southeast, six from Northeast, six from Southsouth and four from Southwest.

    In the Southwest, the people of Ijebu and Remo are asking for a state. Ibadan, made up of 11 local governments, wants a seperate state from Oyo. In Delta, there is clamour for Anioma State. In Ondo, there is agitation by Ilaje and Ikale for Coastal State. Igbomina people from Osun and Kwara want Igbomina State with the capital in Offa.

    Prominent stakeholders of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are also seeking recognition as a sub-national entity. In its present form, Abuja is more or less a state, except that it does not have a House of Assembly.

    The House of Representatives Committee even said 31 requests were made. All the agitations and demands are legitimate. They are driven by various factors. These include ethnic and geo-political considerations, perceived marginalization and unequal distribution of resources and opportunities.

    The process of creating new states in Nigeria is complex. It requires constitutional amendments and political consensus, which can hardly be arrived under a civilian administration.

    The creation of a new state in Nigeria requires a multi-stage process outlined in Section 8 of the Constitution. It is a tedious procedure. Apart from the support from the area seeking the state, a referendum is required. But the more difficult criterion is the approval by a majority of existing states. The final process is that the resolutions on state creation have to be passed by the chambers of the National Assembly.

    How to secure the two/third vote of the 36 states is challenging. It is big test for governors who control the Houses of Assembly and federal legislators whose positions may be shaped or dictated by ethnic bias, religious considerations and primodal sentiments.

    The Senate has received 18 requests for the creation of local government areas nationwide. This, without mincing words, cannot be a “federal or central matter,” but a matter for the respective states to handle. It is a defect of the so-called federal constitution that local governments are listed in the constitution. The practice of central control of the local government system is incompatible with federalism. Local government should be removed from the federal purview, and states should be allowed to create councils, based on agitations, feasibility, suitability and peculiar circumstances of the areas making the demands.

    There is a proposal for the establishment of state police, other state government security agencies, and the establishment of the  State Security Council to advise governors on matters relating to public security and safety. State police is not new. But, its establishment is dragging for too long. There is need for more commitment on the part of the government.

    The present centralised police structure did not evolve from the people, and communities see the policemen as strangers and oppressors who cannot serve their purpose adequately.

    Any amendment thar does not lead to devolution or decentralisation of power to the state and local government is a deservice to federalism and a waste of time. That is why the bill seeking to transfer  labour, industrial relations, industrial disputes  and minimum wage from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List in the Constitution is salutary.

    Remarkably, the railway has been decentralised. But states have not embraced the opportunities. Also, it is important that the proposed bill  to transfer the control of interstate waterways  from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List should see the light of the day because it would grant the federal and state governments the power  to legislate on matters relating to shipping and navigation on interstate waterways.

    What is required in a federal state is not uniformity but unity in diversity. Nigeria is federalising too much, and the military legacy of centralisation or uniformity should be discarded.

    There is no justification for dragging land matters with the states by the Federal Government. The lands belong to the state. Also, a uniform law for traditional institution is unnecessary. There is nothing wrong if the adjucation on traditional disputes terminates at the regional court of appeal so created. Even, the suggestion that the Supreme Court should be decentralised should be considered as it will reduce the number of pending cases at the apex court.

    It is laughable that company registration is still being handled by federal authorities, although the companies are domiciled in states and local governments. So also is the issuance of driving licence, which fell under the purview of states or local governments in the past.

  • Constitution review: Calls for creation of new states dominates northwest hearing

    Constitution review: Calls for creation of new states dominates northwest hearing

    State creation, local government expansion, enhanced roles for traditional rulers, and community policing took centre stage at the Northwest Centre B zonal public hearing on the 1999 Constitution Review Bill 2025, held by the House of Representatives Committee in Sokoto on Saturday.

    Stakeholders submitted memoranda urging reforms to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including the establishment of a special tribunal for electoral offences and improved synergy among security agencies to curb ballot box snatching, electoral malpractice, and other violations. These suggestions were notably highlighted by Ambassador Ibrahim Tudu from Zamfara State.

    Proponents advocating for the creation of additional states cited population growth, economic viability, mineral resources, and the need to bring governance closer to the grassroots as justifications. Notable among these were the proposals for the creation of Kainji State from parts of Niger and Kebbi States, and Gobir State out of Sokoto State, along with demands for more local government areas.

    Various civil society organisations (CSOs), traditional institutions, religious leaders (Ulamas), labour unions including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and individuals from Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States made submissions on both regional and national issues.

    The agitation for Kainji State was said to have started in 1994 under various platforms. Presenting the case, the National President of Zuru Emirate Development Society, Air Vice Marshal Sallau Salihu Bala (rtd), stated that the proposed state would comprise three emirates—Kontagora, Borgu, and Zuru—with Kontagora as the proposed capital due to its central location.

    According to him, Kainji State has an estimated population of over 3.4 million people and a landmass of 47,395 km², surpassing the qualifications of at least 10 existing states spread across five geopolitical zones.

    “The proposed Kainji state will have 12 LGs”, as he justified among other component advantage of economic viability, massive arable land for livestock venture, and vegetation , enterprising and readiness with capacity to develop and ensure closeness of governance to its people with common cultural, tribal and traditional heritage .

    “We have met all the requisite components to qualify the creation of Kainji state having considered all that qualifies a state to become”

    Also, the creation of Gobir state out of present Sokoto state which had earlier splitted for the emergence of Kebbi and Zamfara states , caught attention with demand for additional three LGs to make it 11, all from the eastern Senatorial District .

    The District had 8 LGs and demanding 3 more with two from Sokoto(Tangaza, Gudu) and one( Shinkafi) from Zamfara state.

    Read Also: Constitution amendment hearing for Northwest commences in Kano

    It explained that the proposed Gobir state was economically viable and arable with numerous agricultural and mineral potentials to develop with enterprising youth population in addition to dam facilities at Goronyo and Luggu respectively.

    The submission also explained how beneficial it would be in terms of food crop production and revenue generation to be able to sustain its self as a state.

    The submission pointed out that historically, Gobir state is second to non in large scale farming especially onions and water melon production among others in the country , a comparative economic advantage that would attract foreign investors and development. 

    Hitherto, much emphasis were placed on the need to allocate constitutional responsibilities to traditional rulers in the course of governance,  recalling their historical and traditional contributions to cultural (values, norms, morals) for peace and harmonious living as local and grassroots leaders.

    It was stated that if formally recognised by the constitution , would enhance national unity, progress, peace and development.

    According to the various speakers for the traditional rulers , they were the custodians of what drove every Nigerian citizen to prosperity in terms of many positive contributions from time in memorial.

    On the issue of community policing, Professor TK.Baba argued that it was more reasonable, secure and acceptable to embrace the initiative in the constitutional review that dwelling on state police creation.

    Baba said nothing would insulate state police from politics and personal wutchunt particularly where an opposition is in power.

    He said community policing was the best to brace and complement the existing force especially on intelligence gathering at the grassroots where most emerging crimes were happening. It will also create employment and develop the intelligence levels of those at the grassroots.

    Earlier , Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Sada Soli representing Jibiya Federal Constituency pointed out that the greatness of the country lied in its abilities to have difficult conversations , to listen, to debate and to find common ground .

    According to him, Nigerians must rise above division, embrace their shared destiny and build a nation where justice , equity and progress were not just ideals, but every day realities.

    He assured that all submissions would be compiled and presented at the national level and ensure that the constitution reflects the realities .

    “We will ensure inclusive and transparent constitution review that will in fairness, brace the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians irrespective of backgrounds”, Hon Soli emphasised with passion while thanking Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto for providing the committee all necessary support.

    He also extended acknowledgment remarks to representatives of Kebbi and Zamfara states , Sultan and other key stakeholders for their unflinching efforts and contributions as participants.

  • Constitution review: House panel promises inclusive process

    Constitution review: House panel promises inclusive process

    • States should control resources in their domains – Sani

    The House of Representatives has pledged that the views and aspirations of all Nigerians will be reflected in the planned amendments to the 1999 Constitution.

     Minority Whip of the House, Ali Isa and the  Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Sani Madaki,made the pledge during separate visits to  Borno State Governor  Babagana Zulum and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, ahead of the House Public Hearing on Constitution Review in the North East and North West.

     Speaking in Kaduna, Madaki urged  stakeholders from Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states to turn out en masse for the public hearing, and stressed  the importance of inclusive participation.

    “Our call is for everyone to freely attend and participate. We are here to listen to the wishes of the Nigerian people.”

     In Maiduguri,Isa said   the public hearing was  taking place across the country to get the opinions of the people in the ongoing constitution review process.

     Governor Sani, renewed his  call for greater control for the states over resources found within their territories, insisting it is the only path to true federalism, economic competitiveness and political stability in Nigeria.

    READ ALSO: 10 African countries without an operational national airline

    Speaking through his deputy, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, Sani said over centralisation has stifled innovation, discouraged local problem-solving and alienated citizens from governance.

     Governor Sani said  fiscal federalism is not a mere concession to the states but a constitutional imperative that must be urgently embraced if Nigeria hopes to unlock its vast development potential.

     “Our current federal arrangement does not sufficiently reflect the principle of subsidiarity — where powers and responsibilities are devolved to the level of government closest to the people,” he said.

     “States must be empowered not only to legislate on local matters but also to control and directly benefit from the resources found within their jurisdictions, while making constitutionally defined contributions to national development,” he added.

    Governor Sani argued that this constitutional imbalance was at the heart of rising agitations and frustrations across the country, warning that ignoring these genuine yearnings could continue to undermine Nigeria’s unity.

    He also advocated  the establishment of state police, recalling how he had championed multiple bills on state policing as a Senator in the 9th Assembly — including the Constitution Alteration Bill 2020 and the Nigeria Police Act Amendment Bill.

    Shariah Council rejects Ecclesiastical Court, resource control bills

    The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) expressed opposition to  calls for the  establishment  of  an Ecclesiastical Court for Christians and full control of natural resources to oil-producing states.

    The Council’s strong positions were contained in a memorandum presented at the Public Hearing held in Kaduna. The memo was delivered by the Secretary General of the Council, Malam Nafi’u Baba-Ahmed.

    While the Council welcomed the ongoing constitutional review as a vital opportunity to correct imbalances in Nigeria’s governance structure, it warned against reforms that could “reignite old rivalries, compromise justice, or destabilise the federation.”

    Rejecting the proposal to establish Ecclesiastical Courts, the Council argued that existing British-style courts already cater adequately for  the Christian population. It said the move was unnecessary, duplicative, and wasteful, noting that the concept lacks legal and religious justification even within global Christian jurisprudence.

    Kano demands new state, 26 more LGAs in constitution review

    Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulssalam Gwarzo submitted a memo for the creation of a  state from current Kano  and the establishment of 26 new local government areas to bring governance closer to the people and address rising developmental demands.

    He argued that with Kano’s burgeoning population and vast landmass, carving out another state was long overdue, while increasing the number of local governments from 44 to 70 would help deepen grassroots development and participation.

    Agitators of Amana state want 64 year old promise redeemed

    Communities in Adamawa and Borno states agitating for the creation of Amana State urged the Federal Government to fulfill its 64 years promise of a state to the people of former Northern Cameroon who chose to be Nigerians in 1961.

     The communities hitherto known as Trust Territories of the Northern Cameroon, chose to be part of Nigeria in a plebiscite organised by the United Nations on Feb. 11, 1961.

     However, their counterparts in Southern Cameroon who were part of the plebiscite chose to remain in Cameroon.

     Speaking at the public hearing organised by the House of Representatives in Maiduguri,  the Director General and Leader of the Amana State Movement, Alhaji Sali Bello, said they were promised a state status by Nigeria during the plebiscite.

     Sali said their counterparts who chose Cameroon are now having two of the 10 regions in Cameroon, while the promise to give them a state in Nigeria with Mubi as capital is yet to be fulfilled.

    Low women representation in Parliament can lead to lost opportunities, says Reps Deputy Speaker

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman Constitution Review Committee, Benjamin Kalu said the low representation of women in governance could  lead to underutilisation of talent, limited innovation, and lost opportunities for economic growth.

    Kalu who spoke at a legislative evening on women’s political representation cited research which suggests  that Nigeria could gain up to 9% in GDP growth by 2025 with improved women’s participation.

    He said Nigeria remains among the lowest countries globally in women’s representation in parliament, with only 20 out of 469 National Assembly seats held by women while several State Assemblies are without a single female member.

     He also lamented what he called the  First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) electoral system, party nomination practices, and entrenched socio-cultural norms which he said has created significant obstacles for women seeking legislative office.

     While expressing optimism that the special seats bill will address chronic underrepresentation of women by creating additional women-only seats in the National and State Assemblies as a temporary special measure, Kalu said the move will not create an additional financial burden on government.

    According to him, the additional cost of 74 women legislators in the National Assembly is less than 1% of the National Budget and less than 5% of the National Assembly Budget.

    Kalu added that legal and constitutional measures to improve women’s representation deserve urgent, broad-based support in the interest of Nigeria’s democracy, development, and global standing.

    He said, “Nigeria could gain an increase of 9% in GDP growth by 2025 with improved women’s participation. That’s what statistics have shown. So which means we are losing 9% growth in our GDP because women are not participating.

    “So this is one of the motivating factors for us to push for this bill. Some gender-sensitive bills, policies of government, would be better treated by women. And if we don’t have women in the room, it’s just like cutting a man’s hair in his absence.”

  • Constitution review: Speakers’ chairman urges National Assembly to fast-track process

    Constitution review: Speakers’ chairman urges National Assembly to fast-track process

    Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has urged the National Assembly to fast-track the ongoing constitution review process to ensure its timely conclusion.

    Speaking on Tuesday during the 2025 National Assembly Open Week at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Ogundoyin stressed the need to strengthen Nigeria’s constitutional framework through inclusive and transparent legislative engagement.

    “We respectfully urge the National Assembly to sustain the current momentum on the constitutional review process. Any loss of this momentum, however unintended, risks diminishing the impact and relevance of the reforms. Timely conclusion will enable amendments to be implemented well ahead of the next general elections.”

    Read Also: National Assembly to transmit constitution review report to state assemblies before December

    He praised the House of Representatives and the broader leadership of the National Assembly for preserving the Open Week tradition, a platform he described as a bold commitment to openness, transparency, and participatory democracy.

    Representing Speakers from all 36 State Houses of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin reaffirmed the commitment of State Legislatures to partner with the National Assembly in advancing constitutional reforms that reflect the evolving realities of Nigerian society.

    “We fully identify with the vision of openness, accountability, and participatory governance. As a Conference, we are ready to collaborate to ensure the review process reflects the yearnings of Nigerians.”

    The Chairman reiterated the importance of inter-legislative cooperation between federal and state arms, noting that democratic stability relies heavily on the independence and vibrancy of legislative institutions.

    “We must continue to uphold the sanctity of legislative authority at all levels and foster constructive synergy in pursuit of national development goals.”

    Rt. Hon. Ogundoyin thanked the National Assembly for the invitation to participate in the Open Week, expressing hope for deeper engagement and concrete outcomes that would reinforce democratic governance and enrich the nation’s constitutional order.