Copyright tribuneonlineng
Members of the Senate and House of Representatives’ joint Committee on Constitution Review on Saturday unanimously resolved to adopt three key legislative frameworks on creation of an additional state for the South-East in the ongoing constitution review process, Sunday Tribune authoritatively gathered. The lawmakers in unison also agreed to adopt the legislative framework for Independent Candidacy for all elections across the country. During the meeting jointly presided over by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the lawmakers resolved to create one additional seat for women in each State both for the Senate and House of Representatives. The resolutions were reached during the meeting held at Lagos Marriot Hotel at about 4pm Saturday in Lagos State. Sources who attended the high-level meeting made up of one senator per state and one member of the House of Representatives per state, exclusively informed Sunday Tribune that there was no dissenting voice during the debate on the three resolutions adopted by the joint Committees of both Chambers. Speaking during the opening ceremony, Kalu underscored the need for the ongoing constitution review process to be guided by national interest, rather than individual or party interests. He emphasised that every article, clause, and decision made during the review process should be evaluated based on what is best for Nigeria and its over 200 million citizens. The Deputy Speaker stressed that the constitution review should not also be driven by regional agendas, but a collective desire to evolve a document that will positively impact the lives of Nigerians. He urged the lawmakers to prioritise the nation’s interests above any other consideration to ensure that the review process delivers a constitution that truly reflects the hopes and aspirations of the Nigerian people. He said: “As we deliberate, let us stay anchored on three guiding principles: Unity of Purpose: Our political differences must dissolve here. On constitutional reform, Nigeria must speak with one voice. Only through joint resolve can we deliver amendments that command national legitimacy and bipartisan support. “Legislative Discipline: Constitutional reform is no ordinary law-making process. It requires technical precision, sober judgment, and prioritisation. Let us focus on practical, impactful amendments that enjoy broad public endorsement. “National Interest: Every article, every clause, every decision we take must answer one question: Is this what is best for Nigeria? Not for our parties, regions, or political ambitions, but for the over 200 million Nigerians whose hopes our actions will shape.” The Deputy Speaker said that the collective aspiration of Nigerians is for the parliament to deliver a people-oriented Constitution that will guarantee justice, equity, progress and generally impact the people. “We have listened to Nigerians from every walk of life, traditional rulers, state executives, political parties, civil society, women’s groups, youth leaders, and the security community and faith based organizations. At every turn, the message has been clear: Nigeria desires a people-driven Constitution that works for all. “Let us remember that history is watching. The Constitution we seek to refine is more than a legal instrument; it is the soul of our Republic, the expression of our common destiny. “Let the work we do here in Lagos reflect our shared commitment to a Nigeria that works for all. Let this retreat produce a clear, achievable road map: 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 Lagos with the resolve to transform our deliberations into enduring constitutional milestones. “Together, we can build a Constitution that guarantees justice, equity, and progress for every Nigerian: today and for generations to come,” Kalu said.
