Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, has urged Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to champion the ongoing constitutional review process, describing their support as vital to the success of proposed reforms.
Kalu, who chairs the House Committee on the Review of the Constitution, made the call on Monday at a final pre-vote retreat on the amendment exercise in Abuja.
He explained that without the participation of state assemblies, no amendment could take effect, noting that Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution requires approval of at least two-thirds of the 36 state legislatures — a minimum of 24 — before any alteration to the Constitution becomes law.
“More than 200 million Nigerians are expecting reforms that will devolve power, strengthen local governance, improve internal security, ensure credible elections, promote gender balance and entrench fiscal federalism and equitable resource distribution,” he said.
Kalu appealed to the Speakers to return to their states as “ambassadors of reform” to ensure the proposals receive the required support.
“No matter how brilliant, necessary or popular our proposals are, they will not become law without the support of the State Houses of Assembly. State domestication is the constitutional gateway through which every amendment must pass,” he stressed.
He added that the proposed amendments aim to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians, irrespective of gender, religion or ethnicity, and to guarantee genuine local government autonomy to enhance development at the grassroots.
Kalu also disclosed that the committee will brief state governors on Wednesday, Nov. 26, to ensure a seamless legislative process.
In his remarks, Deputy Senate President, Sen. Jibrin Barau, said the retreat was being held to validate previous resolutions and consider committee reports ahead of the final legislative stage.
He described state assemblies as “critical and strategic partners” in constitution amendment, noting that early engagement would help prevent delays when the proposals are transmitted to the states.
“We want them to have all of this beforehand so that we have a seamless process when it goes to the assemblies of the sub-nationals. I encourage you to remain committed in this last lap to ensure we fulfill our purpose to Nigerians,” Barau said.
