We’ll produce people-oriented constitution — Kalu

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on Saturday assured Nigerians and the international community that the Special Ad-hoc Committee on Constitution Review would deliver a people-oriented constitution at the end of the exercise.

Hon. Kalu gave the assurance at the closing of a two-day retreat for members of the Committee in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

He expressed gratitude to the members of the Committee for their commitment towards a successful exercise and urged them to remain committed.

The Deputy Speaker said: “We are so proud of you. On behalf of the Speaker, on behalf of the Representative, the leadership of the National Assembly, we wanted to make you members of this Committee and you have not failed us.

“From the time you took on this role, we knew it was a tough task. We know as well that time is of the essence in view of the fact that we want to achieve the first tranche of our job before the period of election.

“But with the kind of team spirit that we have exhibited, the kind of dedication we have exhibited, it appears to us that the destination towards realising this is in view.

“This is only because we held each other’s hand, only because we believed that Nigeria could be better than we met it. Only because we heard the cries of the people that we represent and we want their voices to be heard.

“So that truly the constitution that we want to be a people-oriented constitution, as stated in the preamble of the constitution that we, the people of Nigeria, will indeed be a constitution that has the characterisation of the people’s desire captured in it.

“You are the architect of the greater future of Nigeria. You are the cooks in the kitchen baking the best Nigeria that will be better than the one we have ever seen. Don’t give up. If you don’t get weary in this work, in no distant time, Nigerians will reap from this.

“There may be challenges along the path of achieving this, but your dedication, determination, and diligence have oiled the way towards the greater heights that are in view.

“Please let this bonding among us continue. Let us not stop at this retreat. Let us be partners in progress towards making this dream realisable. Thank you for being my partners. The Speaker and I are proud of you.”

On his part, Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi, said they were fully committed to ensuring that the process is inclusive, transparent, and reflective of the aspirations of all Nigerians.

“The constitutional review process is a complex and delicate undertaking that demands expertise, wisdom, and careful engagement with diverse stakeholders across ethnic, religious, and political lines.

“Guided by our legislative agenda, we remain steadfast in delivering meaningful reforms under the capable leadership of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, who is a lawyer. Nigerians can expect a thorough, well-considered, and impactful exercise that strengthens our democracy and fosters national development,” the House Spokesman said.

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