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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives on Thursday stepped down the consideration of proposed constitutional amendments after an intense debate that split members on whether deliberations should begin immediately or be deferred to allow lawmakers more time to study the documents.
The session, presided over by the Deputy Speaker who chaired the Committee of the Whole, witnessed passionate arguments from both sides, with members stressing the national significance of the exercise.
Rising first, Hon. Kingsley Chinda urged the House to allow additional time for members to properly review the far-reaching proposals, stressing that constitutional alteration is not just statutory legislation but a fundamental national assignment.
Supporting the call, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa (APC, Kano) reminded the House that the amendment was already scheduled for deliberation the previous day but postponed. He cautioned against repeatedly shifting the debate, insisting that members should be provided with adequate copies of the document before proceeding.
“Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well,” Doguwa said. “Let us ensure every member here has a copy before we move to the next step.”
Also speaking, Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle-Isiaka (APC, Ogun) aligned with colleagues advocating for a postponement, emphasising the need for members to thoroughly examine the document that forms the foundation of Nigeria’s legislative authority.
He appealed that the House step down the item for the last time, urging the Clerk to ensure that copies are fully circulated before the next sitting.
Similarly, Dr. Awolugba Lawal warned that some of the proposals, such as state police, independent candidacy, and other sensitive provisions, required broad consultations with constituents, elders, and stakeholders. He argued that deliberating without full understanding would be premature.
However, Hon. Bamidele Salam (PDP, Osun) countered the calls for postponement, warning that further delays would undermine the process and send the wrong signal to Nigerians who have eagerly awaited progress on the amendment after years of consultations.
“If we start today, even if 10 members contribute, we would have made progress,” he said. “Postponing again after yesterday sends the wrong message to the public.”
After hearing all sides, the Deputy Speaker put the matter to a voice vote. The “ayes”, in favour of stepping down the debate until next week, prevailed.
He ruled that the consideration of the constitutional amendment proposals would resume next week, stressing that the House regulates its own procedures and that the will of the majority must stand.
“We are parliamentarians, not entertainers,” he said. “The decision of the House is the decision of the chair.”
Following the ruling, the Committee of the Whole was dissolved, and the House returned to plenary to report progress.