The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR, has withdrawn the Indigeneship Bill (HB 2057) before the parliament for further legislative engagements.
The Deputy Speaker disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday night, July 29, stating that the withdrawal has become necessary in light of the concerns and constructive feedback received from various stakeholders regarding the bill.
The House Bill 2057 (HB.2057), a proposed amendment to the Nigerian Constitution sought to amend Section 31 by introducing new subsections that define the criteria for being considered an indigene of a state.
According to the proposed amendment, a Nigerian citizen can be considered an indigene of a state if they were born in that state and have lived there for at least 10 years, or were not born in the state but have resided in a local government area of that state for at least 10 years and can provide evidence of tax payment in that state for at least 10 years, or are married to an indigene of that state for at least five years, in which case the spouse also becomes an indigene.
The Deputy Speaker added that the Bill Analysis Report, forwarded by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) also made it imperative for him to step down the bill at this time.
“States should make laws that would allow settlers to benefit same rights and privileges enjoyed by indigenes without any form of discrimination as rightly provided for in the constitution.
Though the Bill seeks to achieve some commendable objectives, however, this can be achieved through enactment of law. If this Bill is passed, it would pose challenges with time especially on the issue of double or multiple indigenship,” the report stated.
Kalu who is the also chairman of the Constitution Review Committee of the House said that he is committed to ensuring that every legislative proposal reflects the wishes of the people.
“As leaders and Representatives, we remain committed to ensuring that every legislative proposal reflects the aspirations of the people we serve. The Constitution Review process remains an open, inclusive, and participatory exercise, and no provision or proposal will be pursued without adequate dialogue and consensus-building.
I therefore call on citizens to continue engaging constructively with the House Committee on Constitutional Review as we work together to build a more just, united, and prosperous Nigeria”, he said.
Read the full statement below.
