Constitutional Review: LG Autonomy, Judicial Reforms, Women's Representation, Others Crucial Says Kalu

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Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, PhD, CFR, has stated that the ongoing Constitutional review will prioritise Local Government autonomy, Judicial reform, and women’s representation.

Kalu stated this on Monday in Abuja while giving an opening remark at a special session of the House Committee on Constitution Review tagged “Consultation With Leaders of Political Parties”

Kalu, the chairman of the panel, emphasised the need for a broad consensus and collective action to address the nation’s challenges.

He called on leaders and stakeholders in the Nigerian project to make a greater commitment that will deepen the growth of democracy in Nigeria and promote national development, leveraging the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution.

The Deputy Speaker highlighted key areas of focus for the constitutional review, including guaranteeing women’s representation in legislative houses, granting financial autonomy to local governments, and streamlining the electoral process.

He stressed that the reforms are not partisan issues, but Nigerian issues that require collective action.

According to him “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. And 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.

“Before us are critical amendment bills that will define the trajectory of our democracy for the next generation. Bills that seek to guarantee women’s representation in our legislative houses, ensuring that no Nigerian is excluded from decision-making because of their gender. Bills that seek to grant financial autonomy to local governments, so that the councillors and chairman elected by your community can deliver services without waiting for handouts from Abuja. Bills that seek to streamline our electoral process, reducing the endless litigation that undermines the will of the people. These are not abstract legal propositions. These are reforms that go to the heart of what it means to be a democracy. And they require your input.

“In the last twenty-six years, Nigeria’s democracy has relied on the goodwill of a few committed leaders to survive. But goodwill alone is not enough. We need strong institutions. We need clear rules. We need a Constitution that not only permits it, but actively enables it. This is our moment to get it right. The Committee has worked tirelessly to ensure this process is inclusive.”

“We recognise that your parties represent diverse ideologies and constituencies. You will not agree on everything. That is the beauty of democracy.

“But I am asking you today to focus on what unites us, not what divides us. We all want a Nigeria where elections are free, fair, and credible. We all want a Nigeria where women have an equal seat at the table. We all want a Nigeria where local governments work, where federalism is real, and where our Constitution commands the respect and allegiance of every citizen. These are not partisan issues. These are Nigerian issues. The world is changing. So must we”, he said.

Kalu further urged the stakeholders to engage with the proposed amendments, study the bills, and bring their concerns and suggestions to the table.

He expressed gratitude to the members of the Committee for their tireless efforts in ensuring an inclusive process and called on all stakeholders to work together to build a Constitution that reflects the hopes, values, and aspirations of all Nigerians.