— as Enugu Governor Mbah commends lawmakers’ efforts
By Kunle Sanni –
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, has underscored the critical role of governors and state legislatures in ensuring the success of Nigeria’s ongoing constitution review process.
Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, made the remarks during a courtesy visit to Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, at the Government House on Friday night. The visit took place on the sidelines of the committee’s retreat in Enugu.
The Deputy Speaker expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for its engagement and cooperation in the review exercise, describing their involvement as essential to achieving a comprehensive and widely accepted constitutional reform.
“We are making an appeal because we need you. Please help us thank your brother governors for supporting the initiative of the constitution review,” Kalu said. “Without the governors’ support, we cannot make this constitution. The Houses of Assembly play a vital role, and your engagement with them will help ensure the process moves swiftly and smoothly.”
He also lauded the Conference of Speakers for its collaboration with the committee, urging continued partnership to facilitate timely legislative action on the amendment bills.
Highlighting key priorities of the constitutional amendment process, Kalu noted that Nigerians are demanding a more functional framework—one that strengthens local government autonomy, promotes electoral justice, enhances fiscal federalism, ensures women’s participation in governance, and deepens accountability at all levels.
In his response, Governor Peter Mbah commended the Deputy Speaker and the committee for adopting an inclusive and detailed approach to the constitutional review.
“I want to commend your leadership and diligence throughout the public hearings,” Mbah said. “For the first time, we are engaging deeply—examining the constitution clause by clause, line by line. This retreat demonstrates a genuine commitment to creating a more effective constitutional framework for our nation.”
