{"id":120797,"date":"2025-07-19T14:48:12","date_gmt":"2025-07-19T13:48:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/?p=120797"},"modified":"2025-07-19T14:48:12","modified_gmt":"2025-07-19T13:48:12","slug":"constitution-review-tinubus-reform-drive-paving-way-for-inclusive-governance-kalu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/news\/constitution-review-tinubus-reform-drive-paving-way-for-inclusive-governance-kalu\/","title":{"rendered":"Constitution Review: Tinubu\u2019s Reform Drive Paving Way for Inclusive Governance \u2013 Kalu"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Tracy Moses<\/div>\n
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The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has affirmed that President Bola Tinubu is championing a \u201creform-focused agenda\u201d designed to address Nigeria\u2019s pressing challenges through deliberate and strategic governance efforts.<\/div>\n
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Kalu disclosed this during the South-East Zonal Public Hearing on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, held for Imo and Abia States on Saturday.<\/div>\n
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\u201cWith President Tinubu at the helm, Nigeria is embracing a progressive, reform-centered course,\u201d Kalu stated. \u201cThis pathway recognizes the necessity for a robust constitutional revision, strengthened institutions, and inclusive national development.<\/div>\n
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“President Tinubu\u2019s steadfast commitment to the rule of law, his respect for legislative authority, and his bold policy reforms have created the enabling environment for this essential constitutional review. We are grateful for his visionary leadership and pledge continued collaboration with the executive to produce a constitution that truly serves every Nigerian.\u201d<\/div>\n
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Reflecting on the nation\u2019s constitutional history, the Deputy Speaker pointed out that although Nigeria\u2019s legal structure has evolved over time, it still requires further refinement to meet contemporary demands.<\/div>\n
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\u201cFrom the 1922 Clifford Constitution to the current 1999 Constitution, Nigeria has consistently pursued a legal framework that reflects our collective aspirations and diverse cultural identity,\u201d he said. \u201cA constitution is not a static document\u2014it must grow with the times, address the needs of the people, and foster sound governance.\u201d<\/div>\n
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Kalu described the 2025 constitutional review as the most inclusive and comprehensive process the country has ever undertaken. He disclosed that the Committee is currently reviewing 87 amendment proposals covering critical areas of national interest.<\/div>\n
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\u201cOur responsibility is to close legal loopholes, fortify democratic structures, and ensure equitable representation and protection for all citizens, regardless of region, background, or gender,\u201d he emphasized.<\/div>\n
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He encouraged residents of Abia and Imo to actively participate by voicing their opinions on constitutional matters that affect them directly.<\/div>\n
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\u201cSince our inauguration in February 2024, we\u2019ve adopted a transparent and consultative methodology,\u201d Kalu explained. \u201cWe\u2019ve organized retreats, engaged with judicial stakeholders, held strategic security discussions, and built international collaborations that support gender equality. Additionally, we hosted a Local Government Summit, especially relevant following the Supreme Court\u2019s decision on local government autonomy.\u201d<\/div>\n
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The Deputy Speaker outlined priority areas of the amendment process, including reforms in the judiciary, credible electoral processes, security and state policing, gender equity, fiscal federalism, decentralization of power, and strengthening local governance.<\/div>\n
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He concluded with a heartfelt appeal to the people of Abia and Imo States to take ownership of the constitutional process.<\/div>\n
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\u201cThis constitution belongs to you. This is your opportunity to effect change,\u201d he said. \u201cYou\u2019re not bystanders, you\u2019re co-creators of Nigeria\u2019s future. Submit your inputs, share your perspectives, and voice your priorities. Every contribution will be reviewed and will help shape the final proposals sent to the National Assembly and President Tinubu.<\/div>\n
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\u201cI assure you, we are paying attention. True democracy is built on citizens\u2019 voices, not just parliamentary debates. The more you engage, the more responsive and inclusive our constitution will be, a living document that affirms the rights and aspirations of every Nigerian.\u201d<\/div>\n
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