In a critical push for inclusive governance, key leadership of the House of Representatives gathered for a high-level Townhall Dialogue Session to deliberate on pending Constitution Amendment Bills.
The event, themed “The Constitution Amendment Proposals Ahead of Legislative Voting,” was hosted by the Policy and Legal Advocacy Center (PLAC). It served as a strategic forum for citizens and stakeholders to dissect proposed reforms before they face the definitive test of legislative voting.
The Keynote Address, titled “Citizens’ Engagement on Priority Constitution Review Bills Ahead of Voting,” was delivered by Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Majority Leader of the House. Representing the Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the House Committee on Constitution Review, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Ihonvbere underscored the transformative potential of the 10th Assembly’s agenda.
He highlighted the wide scope of the amendment bills across key thematic areas including electoral, judicial and legislative reforms; inclusive governance and special seats for women; citizenship and indigeneity; fundamental rights; institutional strengthening; traditional institutions; security and policing; devolution of powers; fiscal and local government reforms.
“This process is a vital opportunity for meaningful engagement,” Ihonvbere stated, referencing previous zonal public hearings. “We are committed to ensuring these reforms are robust, inclusive, and reflective of the true aspirations of the Nigerian people.”
Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of PLAC, framed the dialogue within the context of Nigeria’s ongoing democratic evolution. While noting that constitutional review is a recurring necessity, he urged lawmakers to align these specific reforms with the “evolving demands and expectations” of the modern electorate.
Nwankwo specifically spotlighted the persistent issue of gender disparity in the National Assembly. He issued a call to action for the passage of the Special Seats Bill, arguing that a higher rate of women’s representation is essential for the nation’s institutional strength.
Following the opening addresses, the session transitioned into a technical breakout period moderated by veteran journalist Mr. Gbenga Aruleba. The panel featured a high-powered assembly of legal and political experts, including:
- Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, Majority Leader, House of Representatives,
- Hon. Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader, House of Representatives,
- H.E. Mohammed A. Abubakar (SAN), former Governor of Bauchi State,
- Prof. Auwal Yadudu, Former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Birnin Kebbi,
- Prof. Kathleen Okafor (SAN),
- Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development
The dialogue concluded with a renewed assurance from House leadership that the 10th Assembly remains dedicated to a transparent and citizen-centered amendment process, aimed at fortifying the nation’s democratic institutions for years to come.
