The House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee consultative meeting with leaders of political parties, which took place on Monday witnessed the absence of several top party leaders, including the National Chairmen and Secretaries of major political parties in the country
Principal officers of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and Labour Party were all absent except for their women leaders
House Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu called on leaders and stakeholders to take advantage of the ongoing amendment to deepen the growth of democracy in Nigeria and promote national development saying Nigeria is in urgent need of a Constitution that will strengthen and enable citizens to actively participate in the democratic process
The Deputy Speaker, who is the Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee in the House, lamented that the cooperative democracy envisioned twenty-six years ago has yet to fully materialise, adding that the country must now confront tough questions about its constitutional framework.
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The Deputy Speaker highlighted key areas for constitutional review to include guaranteeing women’s representation in legislative houses, granting financial autonomy to local governments, and streamlining the electoral process.
President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in his remarks, noted that the growing call for state policing across the country should not be seen as rebellion, but cautioned that in pursuing safety, Nigerians must not sacrifice their freedom.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) used the occasion to call for the restoration of direct constitutional funding for political parties to ensure a level playing field during elections.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
