Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, says the ongoing Constitution Review by the 10th National Assembly will focus on matters of genuine national importance, reflecting the aspirations of Nigerians across all regions.
Speaking with journalists during the just concluded retreat of the Joint Committee on Constitution Review in Lagos, Kalu emphasized the importance of engaging citizens in the process. He commended the media for their consistent role in shaping national discourse and urged them to sustain meaningful conversations on critical areas under review.
He listed local government autonomy, reserved seats for women, citizenship by investment, judicial and security reforms, and economic development as key issues that require public input. According to him, widespread engagement will help lawmakers make informed decisions that align with the people’s expectations and ease the process of presidential assent to future amendments.
Drawing an analogy, Kalu likened the National Assembly’s work to that of a builder laying a foundation brick by brick to ensure a strong and lasting structure. He revealed that the committee is currently reviewing 13 major subject areas covering 86 provisions, all aimed at strengthening governance and promoting fairness.
On the issue of local government autonomy, Kalu said public conversations will guide lawmakers and the President alike in making sound decisions. He highlighted the role of the media in influencing public opinion and shaping the understanding of national policies, noting that even the President pays close attention to reports in the press.
Kalu also discussed the idea of citizenship by investment, describing it as a legitimate tool many nations use to drive growth. He urged Nigerians to explore its potential benefits through open, informed debate rather than dismissing it prematurely.
Touching on gender representation, he stressed the importance of reserved seats for women, saying it is not about tokenism but about fairness and inclusivity. He noted that countries that embrace gender-balanced leadership tend to perform better, as women bring unique perspectives and strengths to governance.
The Deputy Speaker called for “knowledge-based conversations” that can build public trust and deepen citizens’ understanding of legislative processes. He also underscored the need for Nigerians to be better informed about the roles of lawmakers, explaining that many citizens still misunderstand the constitutional duties of legislators, often holding them responsible for executive functions.
Kalu urged the media to help enlighten the public about the true work of parliament, stressing that democracy can only thrive when citizens understand the functions of each arm of government. He maintained that the legislature remains the bedrock of democracy and must continue to inspire confidence through transparency and effective communication.
He reaffirmed that the National Assembly, under his leadership, remains committed to placing Nigeria’s collective interest above all else and to delivering a Constitution that genuinely serves the people.
