Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, CFR has called on Nigerians to actively participate in the constitution review process, demanding transparency and accountability from lawmakers and other public office holders.
Speaking at the Constitution Review Public Hearing in Owerri, the centre serving Imo and Abia State, Kalu emphasized the importance of citizens’ engagement.
The public hearing is a part of the ongoing efforts to review and amend the 1999 Constitution, with stakeholders and citizens contributing their ideas and suggestions to shape the country’s future.
The public hearing is also taking place simultaneously across the southern region of the country, recalling that the the same event held in northern part of the country last week to elicit citizens’ inputs to the proposed constitution amendment.
Kalu urged Nigerians to ask tough questions, demand transparency, and insist on fairness, stressing that the future of democracy depends on it.
The Deputy Speaker who also chairs the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review emphasized that constitutional reform is a process and not an event, stressing that citizens’ continued engagement is crucial for ensuring that reforms are implemented in letter and spirit.
He said: ” Today, I make a heartfelt appeal to every son and daughter of Abia and Imo: This is your Constitution. This is your moment. You are not just
observers; you are stakeholders and co-authors of Nigeria’s next constitutional chapter. Do not hold back your ideas, your criticisms, or your aspirations.
“Your memoranda, your petitions, your passionate speeches, your questions: they all matter. They will shape the amendments that will be presented to the National Assembly, to the President, and, ultimately, to the Nigerian people.
Let me be clear: We are listening.
“The strength of our democracy lies not in the pronouncements of lawmakers alone, but in the active participation of the people. Your robust contributions will ensure that the Constitution we produce is not just a legal document, but a social contract: one that reflects the hopes and values of all Nigerians.
“As we look ahead, let us remember: Constitutional reform is not an event,
but a process. The bills we debate today will be debated in plenary, harmonized with the Senate, and transmitted to the State Houses of Assembly for final approval. Only with your continued engagement, your vigilance, and your advocacy can we ensure that these reforms are not just passed, but implemented in letter and spirit.
I urge you to hold us accountable. Ask the tough questions. Demand transparency. Insist on fairness. The future of our democracy depends on it.
“Nigeria’s greatness lies in its ability to have difficult conversations, to listen, to debate, and to find common ground. Today, in Owerri, we continue that noble tradition. To the people of Abia and Imo: Your ideas matter. Your voices matter. Your future matters
“Let us rise above division, embrace our shared destiny, and build a Nigeria where justice, equity, and progress are not just ideals, but everyday realities.”
Recalling that the Committee since its inauguration in February 2024 has held many retreats, sectoral engagements with the judiciary, high-level dialogues on security and international collaborations to advance gender equality as well as local government summit to address the urgent need for grassroots autonomy, following the landmark Supreme Court decision on local government elections, the Deputy Speaker also revealed that the panel is currently reviewing 87 bills, prioritizing judicial independent, electoral reforms, state policing, gender bills and inclusivity, fiscal reforms, devolution of powers and local government autonomy.
“This Committee is currently considering 87 prioritized constitutional amendment bills, each touching on the most pressing issues facing our nation. I urge you, the people of Abia and Imo, to engage robustly on all thematic areas, especially those close to your hearts”, he said.
The Deputy Speaker acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in driving constitutional reform and institutional strengthening.
He expressed gratitude for the President’s support and commitment to working with the legislature to deliver a constitution that serves all Nigerians.
“I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Under his stewardship,
Nigeria has embraced a reform-heavy agenda: one that recognizes the
urgent need for constitutional renewal, institutional strengthening, and
inclusive growth. President Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, his
respect for the legislature’s constitutional role, and his bold strides in
governance reform have created an enabling environment for this historic
review. We are grateful for his support and leadership, and we remain committed to working with the executive to deliver a constitution that serves all Nigerians”, Kalu said.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker upon arrival in Owerri led a delegation of the members of the Constitution Review Committee to pay a courtesy call on Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, formally briefing him on their mission to Imo State.
