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Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has revealed that the National Assembly Joint Committee on Constitution Review will brief the 36 state governors on Wednesday.
He reassured Nigerians that the parliament would deliver a constitution that would meet their expectations.
Kalu stated this on Monday in Abuja at the second joint retreat of the House and Senate Committees on Constitutional Review.
He said that was the final retreat before the historic voting on the constitution alteration bills.
Kalu noted: “After today, we move from deliberation to decision. We move from consultation to legislative action. We move from debate to delivery.
“History is watching us. The entire nation with over 200 million Nigerians, anticipates a direction from this Assembly.
“Our people yearn for reforms that: devolve power and bring governance closer to the grassroots; localise internal security through innovative approaches, like state police; empower their voices through credible elections; ensure fiscal federalism and equitable resource distribution; protect the rights and dignity of every citizen, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion; guarantee local government autonomy so that development reachest the last community
“The amendments we agree upon today will shape Nigeria’s democracy for generations to come.
“Permit me also to inform this distinguished gathering that, in keeping with our commitment to intergovernmental partnership, all governors of the federation will be formally briefed on Wednesday, 26th November 2025.”
Kalu stressed that the constitution seeks to refine the soul of the country, the expression of common destiny, the framework upon which the hopes and dreams of every Nigerian rest.
He added: “Let the work we do here in Abuja reflect our shared commitment to a Nigeria that works for all. Let this retreat produce a clear, achievable roadmap; one that strengthens local governance, enhances gender balance, ensures credible elections, and secures our federation against future instability.
“As the Senate and House stand united in this constitutional review process, let us leave this hall with the resolve to transform our deliberations into enduring constitutional milestones.
“To the governors, whom we will brief on Wednesday, be assured that this is not an attempt to undermine executive authority; it is an effort to strengthen federalism, improve governance and deliver the democracy Nigerians deserve.
“To my colleagues in the Senate and House: this is our moment. Let us rise to it.”
Kalu also called on the Speakers of the state Houses of Assembly to rise to the occasion and ensure that every amendment passes through.
He added: “Distinguished Speakers of state Assemblies, your presence here today is essential. I cannot overemphasise the importance of state-level ownership in this constitutional review process.
“State domestication is, therefore, the constitutional gateway through which every amendment must pass.
“The success or failure of this constitutional review will ultimately be determined not here in Abuja, but in the 36 state Assemblies across the federation.
“You are the gatekeepers of constitutional reform. Together, we can build a constitution that guarantees justice, equity and progress for every Nigerian; today and for generations to come.”
