Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called on Nigerians to actively engage in the ongoing constitution review process and hold public officials accountable.
Speaking during the Constitution Review Public Hearing held in Owerri, the center designated for Imo and Abia states, Kalu emphasized that citizens are not just observers, but key stakeholders in the making of a new constitutional chapter for Nigeria.
The hearing, one of several holding simultaneously across the southern region, is part of nationwide consultations aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution. Similar sessions had been held in the northern part of the country last week.
Kalu, who chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, urged citizens to demand transparency, fairness, and accountability, insisting that the reform process must reflect the collective aspirations of the Nigerian people.
He reminded participants that constitutional reform is a continuous process—not a one-off event and called for sustained public engagement to ensure that the amendments are implemented both in letter and spirit.
According to the Deputy Speaker, the review panel is currently considering 87 priority bills, with focus areas including: Judicial independence, Electoral reforms,State policing, Gender equality and inclusivity, Fiscal federalism, Local government autonomy
He also reiterated the committee’s commitment to grassroots engagement, referencing past retreats, dialogues with the judiciary, and sector-specific consultations.
Kalu acknowledged the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, commending him for creating a reform-friendly environment and for supporting the legislature in its efforts to produce a more inclusive and modern constitution.
Earlier, upon arriving in Owerri, the Deputy Speaker led a delegation of Constitution Review Committee members on a courtesy visit to the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, to formally brief him on their mission.
The Deputy Speaker concluded by urging the people of Imo and Abia to rise above division, embrace shared values, and contribute meaningfully to building a Nigeria anchored on justice, equity, and progress.
